Not many musicians are able to say that they've taken the stage at both New York City's Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, two of the most prestigious venues in rock and classical music, respectively. Drummer, pianist and songwriter Yoshiki Hayashi, however, is stepping up to take claim of that title.

"At this point, I still feel an enormous amount of pressure," he says with a laugh. "(Playing Carnegie is) definitely one of the goals of being a classical artist, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Known by his fans around the world as simply Yoshiki, the globally recognized musician is the founder and leader of one of Japan's most popular rock bands, X Japan. Coming off a string of successful overseas screenings of his band's new documentary film, "We Are X," he speaks candidly with The Japan Times at a recording studio at Sony Music in Tokyo's Nogizaka area. Here, Yoshiki is preparing for his upcoming solo classical tour, "Yoshiki Classical," which launches in Osaka on Dec. 5. Other dates include three days at the Tokyo International Forum, a performance at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo and, last but not least, Carnegie Hall. Those New York shows, which are on Jan. 12 and 13, will also feature the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. This will be Yoshiki's second solo classical tour.