Could there be an X Japan appearance at the Oscars? The first hurdle is out of the way as the band's song "La Venus" has made the list of songs to be considered for the Oscar for Best Original Song.

The soaring end title track was penned by the band's songwriter, drummer and classically trained pianist Yoshiki for the band's We Are X documentary that was released earlier this year. "I think this song is really powerful, a very strong song," says Yoshiki. "Tosh1 did an amazing vocal performance and so did the other members, so this could be X Japan's signature song for the next era. That could be my favorite." Get a taste of the track in the video above.

The track will be officially released in early 2017 by Sony Legacy Recordings. "Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Recordings is thrilled to be releasing the new single, 'La Venus' from X Japan's feature documentary, We Are X," says Sony Legacy president Adam Block. "It's a beautiful, powerful track from a stunning film that we hope will be considered for a nomination for best song from a feature film at this year's Academy Awards."

With a long list of potential tracks now set, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voters will now register their votes with the final nominees being announced on Jan. 24. The 89th Annual Oscars will take place Feb. 26 at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood and Highland Center and will be broadcast on ABC at 7PM ET / 4PM PT.

In related news, Yoshiki is making his way stateside to perform a classical music show featuring the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at New York's Carnegie Hall on Jan. 12 and 13. For tickets to the show, check Yoshiki's website or the Carnegie Hall website. Meanwhile, the We Are X film has screened across the U.S. this fall and there's still a March showing in Omaha, Neb. To keep up to date on where you can see the film, click here.

We Are X Film Trailer

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