X (later changed to X JAPAN in 1992 to avoid confusion with the American punk band X) is arguably one of the most influential metal bands in the history of the Japanese music scene. Formed by childhood friends YOSHIKI and Toshi in 1976, X was originally founded to play high energy metal music in the vein of Japanese metal legends Loudness, and Western bands like Iron Maiden.

The band consisted of Toshi (vocals), YOSHIKI (drums, piano, composer, lyricist), hide (guitar), Pata (guitar), and Taiji/Heath (bass), until 1997 when they disbanded.

Once Yoshiki and Toshi recruited bassist Taiji and guitarists hide and Pata, the band began moving on the indie circuit. They garnished abundant support and fans across Japan with their outrageous dress style.

They used long, dyed hair and leather, along with makeup to make themselves shocking to the people who went to see them. This look, and their musical styling of fast, heaving, hard driving speed metal, mixed with softer and more heartfelt ballads, was the defining origin of today's visual kei bands.

However, in 1996, after the release of their fifth and final album, DAHLIA, Toshi announced that he was departing from the band, for his own reasons. The following year X JAPAN announced it was breaking up. At the end of the year, they had their final concert.

However, a new wind has begun to blow for X JAPAN, as Toshi has stated his desire for a reunion for the 25th anniversary of the band's founding.

Currently it was anounced Yoshiki is talking to Pata and Heath for the reunion.
A tour and new release (Without You) has already been scheduled for 2007, no dates are known yet. Also 10 guitarists will be playing the guitar parts of hide.