Yoshiki: Under the Sky is a 2023 music documentary film directed by Japanese musician and composer Yoshiki, leader of the rock bands X Japan and The Last Rockstars, and produced by Sid Ganis, Mark Ritchie, Doug Kluthe, and Aaron Latham-James. We Are X director Stephen Kijak participated as a consulting producer on the film.[1]
| Yoshiki: Under the Sky | |
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Promotional poster for 2023 release of Yoshiki: Under the Sky
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| Directed by | Yoshiki |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography |
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| Music by | Yoshiki |
Production | A List Media Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Abramorama |
Release dates |
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Running time | 91 min. |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
Conceived and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film is combination of Yoshiki's live performances with musical artists from around the world and interviews with fans and musicians. The film features performances by Yoshiki, Sarah Brightman, Jane Zhang, Scorpions, SixTones, Nicole Scherzinger, St. Vincent, Sugizo, Hyde, Lindsey Stirling, and The Chainsmokers.
The film premiered in Tokyo on September 5, 2023, followed by international premieres in London, New York, and Los Angeles.
The music documentary film Yoshiki: Under the Sky features musician and composer Yoshiki collaborating with musicians from the United States, China, England, Germany, and Japan for in-person and remote performances. Filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film also includes music fans in video performances and interviews.[2]
Yoshiki recorded live performances in Los Angeles with St. Vincent, Nicole Scherzinger, Lindsey Stirling, and The Chainsmokers. In addition, Yoshiki recorded interviews and performances from his studio in Hollywood and mixed in remote performances by the film's other musicians from their home countries.[3]
Yoshiki: Under the Sky premiered at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills on September 5, 2023.[4] The film then premiered internationally in New York on September 7 (AMC Empire 25 Times Square),[5] in London on September 11 (Odeon Covent Garden),[6] and Los Angeles on September 14 (TCL Chinese 6 Hollywood).
The film was distributed in over 100 theaters in Japan and received limited theatrical release in the United States, England, France, and Germany.[7]
The film will receive an on-demand digital release from Magnolia Home Entertainment and will stream on Amazon Prime Video in 2024.[1][8]
At the Japanese premiere on September 5, Yoshiki appeared on the red carpet with Godzilla and unveiled a collaboration poster connecting Yoshiki: Under the Sky with the film Godzilla Minus One.[9] On September 14, preceding the Los Angeles premiere, Yoshiki became the first Japanese artist to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.[10]
Total Film magazine gave the film 4 out of 5 stars: "Part concert film, part tribute to humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity, its seamlessly integrated performances showcase Yoshiki’s singular gifts."
Mxdwn reviewed the film as "an unforgettable experience that fuses artistry, emotion, and the unifying power of music".[11] Revolver praised its "superbly arranged performances" and cited the documentary's personal approach: "Under the Sky is a proper ode to what Yoshiki has lost and what he has gained."[12]
