by Fans of legendary rock band X JAPAN and classic anime are in for a special treat. The official X JAPAN YouTube channel has released two iconic videos for a limited time: the original music video for the band’s beloved ballad “Say Anything” and the long-awaited animated music video for “X,” created in collaboration with CLAMP’s legendary manga X.
The releases celebrate the band’s enduring legacy while introducing a new generation of anime and music fans to one of the most influential collaborations of the 1990s.
“Say Anything” Returns in High Quality
Among the newly released videos is the emotional music video for “Say Anything,” one of X JAPAN’s most iconic ballads.
Originally featured as the closing track on the band’s landmark 1991 album Jealousy, the song remains one of the group’s most beloved masterpieces. Known for its heartfelt lyrics, powerful piano melodies, and emotional vocal performance by Toshi, “Say Anything” has become a fan favorite over the decades.
The music video combines unforgettable live performances from the Violence In Jealousy Tour 1991 with rare behind-the-scenes dressing room footage, giving fans an intimate look at the band’s activities during one of the most important periods in its history.
For longtime fans, the video serves as a nostalgic trip back to X JAPAN’s golden era, while newcomers can experience the band’s emotional stage presence for the first time.
Legendary X Anime Music Video Returns
Also released is the animated music video for “X,” a unique collaboration between X JAPAN and CLAMP’s internationally acclaimed manga series X (also known as X/1999).
The animated music video originally appeared in the 1993 home video release X² (Double X) and quickly became one of the most memorable anime and music collaborations of its era.
Featuring dramatic action sequences, supernatural imagery, and stunning animation, the video perfectly captures both the intense energy of X JAPAN’s music and the apocalyptic atmosphere of CLAMP’s manga.
Its return to YouTube gives fans another opportunity to enjoy this rare piece of anime history.
About CLAMP’s X
The original manga X began serialization in 1992 and was created by the legendary manga artist collective CLAMP, consisting of:
- Satsuki Igarashi
- Nanase Ohkawa
- Tsubaki Nekoi
- Mokona
CLAMP is one of Japan’s most influential manga groups and is responsible for numerous classic series, including:
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- xxxHOLiC
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
The group has also contributed character designs to major franchises such as:
- Code Geass
- Cardfight!! Vanguard
Their distinctive art style and emotionally rich storytelling have earned worldwide recognition and millions of fans.
Directed by Anime Legend Rintaro
The animated music video was directed by legendary filmmaker Rintaro, one of the most respected directors in Japanese animation.
Throughout his career, Rintaro has worked on numerous influential anime productions known for their cinematic visuals and artistic storytelling.
Animation production for the project was supported by Madhouse, the acclaimed animation studio behind classics such as:
- Death Note
- Monster
- Perfect Blue
- One Punch Man (Season 1)
- Hunter × Hunter
The collaboration between X JAPAN, CLAMP, Rintaro, and Madhouse remains one of the most iconic crossover projects in anime and music history.
Remastered Version Sparks New Interest
Earlier this month, on June 10, a newly remastered version of the classic anime music video was made available on Crunchyroll, allowing fans to enjoy improved video quality while preserving the original animation.
Following the positive reception of the remastered release, the production team has now made the animated music video available on YouTube for a limited time, giving even more fans around the world access to this historic collaboration.
Why This Collaboration Still Matters
Even decades after its original release, the partnership between X JAPAN and CLAMP’s X remains a milestone in Japanese pop culture.
The collaboration successfully blended:
- Legendary rock music
- High-quality anime production
- Dark fantasy storytelling
- Emotional visual direction
- Memorable character designs
Long before anime music videos became common online, this project demonstrated how music and animation could enhance each other to create an unforgettable artistic experience.
A Must-Watch for Anime and Rock Fans
Whether you’re a lifelong X JAPAN fan or discovering the band for the first time, these newly released videos offer a fascinating glimpse into one of Japan’s most influential rock groups.
Likewise, anime fans can appreciate the beautifully animated X music video, which showcases the creative talents of CLAMP, director Rintaro, and Madhouse in a timeless collaboration.
With both the “Say Anything” music video and the legendary “X” anime collaboration now streaming for a limited time on YouTube, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit—or discover—this unforgettable chapter in anime and Japanese rock history before it becomes unavailable once again.
