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New York City, September 9, 2026 // Global Citizen — Japan’s biggest rock star, internationally acclaimed composer, pianist, drummer, and humanitarian YOSHIKI will make history on September 26 as the first Japanese artist to perform at the Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, before an anticipated audience of 60,000 people.
YOSHIKI will bring his singular fusion of classical music and rock to one of the world’s most celebrated outdoor stages. The landmark performance marks another major step in his decades-long mission to bring Japanese music and culture to audiences worldwide.
The appearance follows an extraordinary period for YOSHIKI, who was named to the 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people and recently performed two sold-out orchestral concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall. His career has taken him from the Tokyo Dome to Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, the Royal Albert Hall and Coachella.
Global Citizen announced that YOSHIKI, Victoria Monét, YEONJUN, and Alicia Keys have joined the lineup for this year’s festival. They join previously announced performers Ms. Lauryn Hill & Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
Additionally, Bill Nye, IZA, Jordan Fisher, Katie Couric, Marcus Samuelsson, Naomi Watanabe, Nomzamo Mbatha, PJ Sin Suela, and Vladimir Duthiers will make appearances, with more names to be announced.
YOSHIKI’s influence extends across generations and genres. Together with X Japan, he helped inspire elements of K-pop’s visual style, theatrical performance, and musical ambition, while songs including “Endless Rain” became widely embraced in South Korea. His continuing connection with a new generation of Asian artists reflects his role as a bridge between Japanese rock and today’s global music culture.
“The West has given the world so many legendary rock artists, and I have tremendous respect for those who paved the way. At the same time, Asian rock has its own powerful voice, spirit, and beauty. I’m honored to help bring that spirit to the world.
“I’ve been fortunate to support humanitarian causes over the years because I believe music can inspire meaningful action. In Central Park, I hope to unite the beauty of classical music with the energy of rock, and move people through both.
“I’ll also perform ‘Endless Rain,’ and I invite everyone to sing with me. Together, I hope we can create a moment that is emotional, powerful, and truly unforgettable.” – YOSHIKI
YOSHIKI’s participation reflects his longstanding commitment to combining music with humanitarian action. Through his nonprofit organization, YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA, he has donated millions of dollars to disaster relief, healthcare, education, and other humanitarian causes worldwide.
His appearance in Central Park continues his relationship with Global Citizen following his headlining performance at Global Citizen NOW: Tokyo in June 2026, where he brought together leading artists for a special performance supporting the organization’s global mission.
The Global Citizen Festival is presented by Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. This year’s campaign is driving action on three critical issues perpetuating cycles of extreme poverty: creating opportunities for 2 million children to attend school, supporting 1.5 million smallholder farmers, and providing electricity for 2.5 million homes.
Tickets to the 2026 Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action through the Global Citizen App. Learn more at globalcitizenfestival.com.
This year, New Yorkers can earn free tickets by taking action and volunteering in their local communities throughout September, including urban planting, beach cleanups, food donations, and more. Participating organizations include Bowery Mission, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Pollinator Pathways, Support and Feed, and 9.11 Day. To learn more and register, visit globalcitizenfestival.com.
“Lasting progress happens when people, partners, and innovators come together to turn shared purpose into meaningful change,” said Fran Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco and Global Citizen Board Chair. “Cisco’s partnership with Global Citizen brings that spirit of collective action to life on a global stage.”
The 2026 Global Citizen Festival will be livestreamed on Amazon Music, Apple Music, iHeart, TikTok, Veeps and YouTube.
The festival is presented by Cisco. Major Partners are Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, MetLife, PayPal, and P&G; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive U.S. Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner NYC Parks. The Global Citizen Festival is produced by Emmy Award-winning production companies Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services.
This year, global citizens have a new way to take action and secure festival tickets. After completing their action journeys through the Global Citizen App and earning enough points, users can choose between two redemption options: entering the free ticket lottery or making a $25 charitable donation to secure a ticket instantly.
All donations will benefit New York City. Funds raised will support City Parks Foundation’s free programming and community engagement initiatives in parks across all five boroughs, as well as organizations assisting people experiencing homelessness throughout the city.
Tickets available through the donation option are limited. The majority of festival tickets will continue to be available free of charge by taking action through the Global Citizen App.
Global Citizen has also partnered with PayPal to offer discounted General Admission tickets through Ticketmaster. The first 2,000 General Admission ticket purchasers using PayPal will receive FastPass access.
Global Citizen is grateful for the support of its media and marketing partners, including Branded Cities, Captivate, GroceryTV, GSTV, Intersection Media, KEVANI, NYC Ferry, OUTFRONT, Seen Media and Trooh.
For more information, download the Global Citizen App or visit globalcitizenfestival.com.
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