Yoshiki is returning to Otakon – this time, finally, for a proper full concert performance. The world-renowned star (and longtime friend of the convention) will perform a show based on his Yoshiki Classical World Tour, but has promised something extra special for Otakon.

The multi-talented founder of X-Japan made his first Otakon appearance in 2006, and came back in 2010 with Sugizo to give a special performance. Four years later, he returns to headline the Otakon Sunday Concert.

Yoshiki, considered to be one of Asia’s most influential musical artists and the biggest rock icon, is honored to share his new collection of compositions entitled Yoshiki Classical with fans around the world.

The long awaited album Yoshiki Classical was released worldwide in the fall of 2013 and met with tremendous response. It sees collaborations between Yoshiki and legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra and the Quartet San Francisco.

Yoshiki Classical debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries around the world and also saw a Top 10 debut in 4 countries.

Although known as the founder of Japan’s biggest rock band “X Japan”, and is credited as the catalyst for the flamboyant visual-kei rock sub-genre, Yoshiki is a world-renowned classically trained multiinstrumentalist/composer/musician. “X Japan” has sold more than 30 million singles and albums combined, along with several sold-out world tours, including selling out the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome, a record 18 times.

Yoshiki’s talent has seen him compose the 2012 Golden Globe Awards theme song, which is available in 111 countries. He’s also composed and performed an orchestral piece/piano concerto to commemorate the Japanese Emperor’s 10th anniversary of his reign, along with the theme for the World Expo held in Japan.

Beyond music, Yoshiki has been celebrated in many unique ways. Only highlighting a few; Marvel Comic legend Stan Lee created the music superhero comic book series “”Blood Red Dragon” based on Yoshiki. Madame Tussaud created and unveiled the Yoshiki wax figure. Additionally, Yoshiki has his own clothing and jewelry line, not to mention his own branded Yoshiki VISA Card and a line of wine called “Y by Yoshiki”. For the first time in history, a Hello Kitty product line was named after a person – Yoshikitty. And in December 2013, Yoshiki launched his very own YOSHIKI special edition headphone.

Otakon 2014 will be held August 8-10 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.