X Japan’s drummer Yoshiki is the first ever Japanese man featured on Vogue Japan’s magazine cover, since its first publication in September 1999.

Three weeks after his surgery, Yoshiki went to New York to take part on Vogue Japan’s photoshoot. On his Instagram account, Yoshiki admitted that he was still bleeding during the photoshoot, but it was worth it.

Yoshiki was diagnosed with herniated disc and had an emergency surgery last May 16 to replace a cervical vertebral disc.

On the cover, Yoshiko was paired with Mica Arganaraz, an Argentine supermodel. The two are wearing a similar black suit to complement the October issue’s main theme of “Rock Star”.

The shoot was photographed by Luigi and Iango, the famous duo who are known for their iconic magazine covers.

The magazine issue will be on sale starting August 28.

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