New music documentary film YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY will have its UK theatrical release from December 1st at ODEON cinemas across the UK with a special London Q&A with Yoshiki at Odeon Covent Garden on Tuesday 5th December, 7.45pm. The film will also be released in the US with more countries and locations soon to be announced, following the film’s successful run in Japan with a release in over 70 theaters through Toho Cinemas.
YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY gathers an extraordinary collection of international artists post pandemic for an emotional journey through the pain of losing loved ones and uniting globally through the healing power of music.
Shot in Germany, Beijing, Tokyo, and LA, the film features interviews and performances from Sarah Brightman (UK), Nicole Scherzinger (USA), St. Vincent (USA), Scorpions (Germany), The Chainsmokers (USA), HYDE (Japan), SUGIZO (Japan), SixTONES (Japan), Jane Zhang (China), Lindsey Stirling (USA), to celebrate voices joined from across international borders post Covid.
Amongst YOSHIKI’s long list of accolades in music, fashion, and film, he has composed a concerto for the Emperor of Japan; was the first Japanese man on the cover of Vogue Japan; was chosen to be the first living person to have a Hello Kitty doll named after him, called “yoshikitty”, and has received international recognition for his continued philanthropic efforts.
Directed by YOSHIKI – composer, drummer, pianist, and leader of rock bands X Japan and The Last Rockstars – the project is the artist’s first feature film as director and was conceived during the pandemic when musicians could not connect with their fans.
Interspersed throughout the film are interviews with YOSHIKI about his passion for music and the pain of having lost loved ones, including a heartbreaking interaction with the husband of a terminally ill fan. The film celebrates the deep healing power of music and YOSHIKI’s resolve to never give up.
The film is produced by Emmy award-winning Sid Ganis (Iron Man, Akeelah and the Bee, The Making of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’), Emmy award-winning Mark Ritchie (Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, The Big Steppers Tour: Live from Paris), VMA nominated Doug Kluthe (Tasmin Archer: Sleeping Satellite, Selena: Dreaming of You), Emmy-winning Aaron Latham-James (Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact, My Next Guest Needs No introduction with David Letterman: Zachary Galifianakis, Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now) and Consulting Producer Stephen Kijak (We Are X, Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man). Abramorama is handling global distribution.
YOSHIKI said, “When I first began working on this project, I didn’t know when we would all be able to gather in the same place and share the joy of music. Coming together with these great artists from around the world, we were able to create a theatrical experience that I’m very proud of. I’m so grateful for everyone who joined us on this journey and I’m incredibly excited to be releasing the film in UK cinemas this December.”
The critically-acclaimed documentary film about the YOSHIKI’s band X Japan – We Are X – was released in 2016 in 30 countries, winning awards at the SXSW and Sundance Film Festivals.
This September, YOSHIKI became the first Japanese artist to be honored with a handprint and footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood since the tradition began in 1927.
YOSHIKI returned to headline a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall last week in New York City, after dazzling audiences and receiving standing ovations at Royal Albert Hall in London, Tokyo Garden Theater, and Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. This marks the first time a Japanese artist has headlined all these historic venues.
YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY – International Theatrical Release
UK – starting 1st December. Tickets: ODEON Cinemas
UK Special Event: YOSHIKI Live Q&A – 5th December: ODEON Covent Garden
US – starting 2nd November. Tickets: TCL Chinese Theatre
