Yoshiki: Under the Sky

Yoshiki: Under the Sky
Promotional poster for 2023 release of Yoshiki: Under the Sky
Directed byYoshiki
Produced by
  • Sid Ganis
  • Mark Ritchie
  • Doug Kluthe
  • Aaron Latham-James
Starring
Cinematography
  • Ken Whales
  • Michael Pessah
  • Rachel Bickert
Edited by
  • Spencer Lee
  • Takashi Uchida
  • David Swift
  • Merritt Lear
  • Jim Yukich
  • Claire Didier
  • Imran Virani
  • Bryan Roberts
Music byYoshiki
Production
company
A List Media Entertainment
Distributed byAbramorama
Release dates
  • September 5, 2023 (2023-09-05) (Japan premiere)
  • September 7, 2023 (2023-09-07) (USA premiere)
Running time
91 min.
CountryUSA
LanguageEnglish

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]

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.

Synopsis

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]

Production

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]

Release

Theatrical

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]

Home Video

Yoshiki: Under the Sky was released in the U.S. on DVD, Blu-ray, and on-demand digital video by Magnolia Home Entertainment on November 19, 2024.[1][8]

The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and Japan on February 20, 2025.[9] On December 8, 2025, the film received an expanded global digital release via Prime Video and Apple TV in United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Romania, Hungary, and Czechia.[10][11]

Promotion

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.[12] 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.[13]

Critical reception

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".[14] 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."[15] Spin stated that the film's "no-expense-spared production and smooth editing propel it into timeless territory."[16]

Songs

External videos
Clip from documentary film "YOSHIKI: Under the Sky" YOSHIKI x The Chainsmokers - "Closer" on YouTube
Clip from documentary film "YOSHIKI: Under the Sky" YOSHIKI x Scorpions - "Wind of Change" on YouTube
Clip from documentary film "YOSHIKI: Under the Sky" YOSHIKI x Nicole Scherzinger “I’ll Be Your Love” on YouTube
All arranged and produced by Yoshiki
(in order of performance)

References

Notes

  1. ^ The Scorpions sang the Ukraine version of the lyrics for the first time in this performance.[17]

Sources

  1. ^ a b Matthew, Carey (December 6, 2023). "Oscar-Qualified 'Yoshiki: Under The Sky' Locks Down Digital Release Through A List Media Entertainment And Magnolia Pictures Home Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  2. ^ Victorian, Brande (November 15, 2023). ""I Wanted to Do Something Bigger Than Life": 'THR Presents' Q&A With Yoshiki of 'Yoshiki: Under the Sky'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  3. ^ Thompson, Jaden (November 29, 2023). "Yoshiki Explains How He Brought Together Musicans From Around the World In 'Yoshiki: Under the Sky'". Variety. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "YOSHIKI、日本人アーティスト初の快挙 米チャイニーズ・シアターに名を刻む". ORICON NEWS. September 5, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  5. ^ "SCORPIONS Featured In 'Yoshiki: Under The Sky' Documentary". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. August 15, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  6. ^ Osborne, Dawn (September 12, 2023). "Yoshiki - Under The Sky - London film premiere and Q and A • TotalRock". TotalRock. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  7. ^ "À l'Affiche ! - Yoshiki, kabuki, hikikomori... Le meilleur de la culture japonaise est dans À l'Affiche!". France 24 (in French). December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "Magnolia sets N. American Prime Video debut for music doc with Japanese icon Yoshiki". Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "Prime Video: Yoshiki: Under the Sky". Prime Video. February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  10. ^ Baldin, Benedetta (December 8, 2025). "Yoshiki: Under The Sky – music documentary featuring international superstars now streaming worldwide". Chaoszine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  11. ^ Campagnale, Valeria (December 9, 2025). "Yoshiki: "Yoshiki:Under The Sky" il documentario musicale con superstar internazionali - truemetal.it". True Metal (in Italian). Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  12. ^ "YOSHIKI×ゴジラ、『紅白』から7年の時を経て映画で共闘 コラボビジュアル完成". ORICON NEWS. September 6, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  13. ^ "Yoshiki becomes 1st Japanese artist to be immortalized in cement at TCL Chinese Theatre". ABC7 Los Angeles. September 15, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  14. ^ "YOSHIKI's Directorial Debut: Bridging Borders Through Music -". mxdwn Movies. August 15, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  15. ^ "X JAPAN's YOSHIKI on new film, IRON MAIDEN fandom, SCORPIONS collab and more". Revolver. September 22, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  16. ^ Moayeri, Lily (December 3, 2024). "Yoshiki on His Documentary 'Yoshiki: Under the Sky' and Death's Undeniable Presence". SPIN. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  17. ^ "YOSHIKI 'S UNDER THE SKY PROJECT". Scorpions – Official Site. December 21, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
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