YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY Premiere in Los Angeles

YOSHIKI, an illustrious artist whose mark on the world of music has been undeniable, premiered his debut movie, "YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY," with an event at the TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles on September 14th that was nothing short of a spectacular revelation. Earlier in the day, YOSHIKI was immortalized at the Chinese Theatre with a handprint and footprint ceremony, a fitting prelude to the unveiling of his cinematic masterpiece.

"UNDER THE SKY" unfolds as a mesmerizing chronicle of YOSHIKI's extraordinary life, tracing his journey from the legendary X JAPAN era, through collaborations with luminaries like hide, to his captivating forays into classical music and even a venture into EDM alongside The Chainsmokers. The film not only showcases YOSHIKI's diverse talents but also highlights the sheer breadth of artists he has collaborated with throughout his career.

The documentary is a visual feast, captured with exceptional clarity and precision on high-quality cameras seldom used for such projects. It deftly melds contemporary footage with evocative archival material, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the roots of X JAPAN's hair-metal heyday in the 80s, heartrending clips from the Last Live concert with hide, and the triumphant return of X JAPAN in 2010.


Shot during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, "UNDER THE SKY" masterfully navigates the challenges of lockdowns and travel restrictions. The film ingeniously brings together remote duet performances spanning the globe, showcasing YOSHIKI's indomitable spirit and resilience. From a rooftop in Los Angeles, YOSHIKI seamlessly alternates between his iconic crystal grand Kawai piano and thunderous drums, occasionally within the same song. The split-screen presentation, cutting between YOSHIKI's performance and the band's feed, adds to the documentary's dynamic energy.

The documentary transcends geographical barriers by featuring remote rooftop performances by artists like SixTONES, hide, SUGIZO, Sarah Brightman, Jane Zhang, and Scorpions, each adding their unique flavor to the symphony. The mood seamlessly shifts between melancholy and exhilaration as the camera weaves through these captivating performances.

"UNDER THE SKY" also masterfully weaves in interactions with fans who submitted covers and songs for the project, further emphasizing the profound connection between YOSHIKI and his dedicated following. The film's emotional crescendo comes in the form of a heartfelt story about a fan's dying wife, leading to a poignant Zoom call with YOSHIKI himself.

The documentary isn't solely a musical showcase; it delves into YOSHIKI's creative process and the selection of artists he collaborated with, all while navigating the stringent COVID-19 restrictions. YOSHIKI's gratitude for these partnerships is palpable, a testament to his ability to foster edgy, collaborative relationships.

Throughout the film, YOSHIKI's unwavering commitment to his art and his fans is evident. His multifaceted talents, ranging from piano to drums, seamlessly blending rock and classical, are presented as a metaphorical journey through diverse cuisines, all prepared with the same passion and artistry. The documentary portrays YOSHIKI as a tireless artist, devoting himself to his craft 24 hours a day.

"UNDER THE SKY" poignantly touches upon YOSHIKI's personal struggles and the profound impact his fans had on saving him from the darkest of moments. His heartfelt tributes to hide and Taiji underscore his enduring love and respect for his departed comrades.

At its core, the film's mission is a profound one: to champion the unifying power of art and music, especially during a time when division and discord have become all too familiar. "UNDER THE SKY" is a poignant reminder that, despite the challenges and tribulations, we are all still living under the same sky, sharing a world that can be made infinitely better through the transformative magic of music and unity.

Fans in LA won't have to wait long to see more from YOSHIKI, as he will be gracing the Dolby Theater on October 20th, continuing his artistic journey. The show will be part of YOSHIKI's Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023 "Requiem", which will also be taking him through historic venues in Tokyo, London and New York this month. The full list of dates can be viewed further down the page, and tickets are on sale now here.

A trailer for "YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY" can be viewed below.