Meisa Kuroki greets fans at the premiere of “This Is It” at Roppongi Hills on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of fans turn out for opening of Jackson film in Japan

Thursday 29th October, 09:17 AM JST

TOKYO —

Several hundred Michael Jackson fans turned out for the Japan premiere of the documentary “This Is It” at Roppongi Hills Arena on Wednesday night. American singer Lionel Richie, 60, singer Ai, 27, and actress Meisa Kuroki, 21, were among the stars to walk the red carpet.

Richie said of the deceased superstar: “I knew him from when he was about 10, and watched the whole process of his rise to fame. Michael was a very mischievous guy, and I’m looking forward to seeing him from behind the scenes.”

SMAP singer Masahiro Nakai, 37, lucked out as the only person from Japan to be invited to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles to see the world premiere on Tuesday.

“This Is It” will play in more than 300 theaters in Japan. It consists of segments taken from about 100 hours of footage shot during Jackson’s rehearsals for his 50-date comeback engagement in London’s 02 Arena.

Sony Pictures bought the movie rights from concert promoter AEG for a reported $60 million and has reportedly printed more than 1,500 copies of the movie.

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Latest 15 of 40 Total Comments Show All

DickMorris at 10:44 AM JST - 30th October

Thanks god this menace can no longer destroy innocent young lives.

Anyone who watches this sordid move is condoning his vile actions.
betterdays at 11:31 AM JST - 30th October

Spitfire....well put across

Thanks god this menace can no longer destroy innocent young lives.

Thank God u are giving your thanks to a god coz God would not even acknowledge yo thanks
yokomoc at 01:14 PM JST - 30th October

An MJ movie. Is it a thriller?
noirgaijin at 01:52 PM JST - 30th October

DickMorris- I hope you are only commenting to jerk on others coat tail. If not, you did mention that you had kids, for humanity's sake I hope you are not raising them to hate as you do.
spitfire at 02:32 PM JST - 30th October

Yokomoc: The movie most likely a thriller, giving people butterflies and leaving them speechless, not to mention making history. I haven't seen the movie, but am already feeling 2000 watts hot, sexy and dangerous dancing on the streets of Tokyo to that tune! When I do see the movie, I am sure it's gonna rock my world and no doubt I am not alone.

For those who love to hate, you can just take your hatred and beat it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I am feeling inspired and am off to do my part to heal the world :-)

Blessings to all!
noirgaijin at 02:35 PM JST - 30th October

spitfire, good one! LOL...
nandakandamanda at 03:27 PM JST - 30th October

Everyone's making a buck out of him. Light up your cigars. AEG, Sony ....
biglittleman at 06:43 PM JST - 30th October

I just got back from watching it at Toho cinema in Yurakucho. The movie theatre was packed. I agree with Roger Ebert and the rest of the critics. It was one helluva movie! If I had control over how people saw me at the end of my life then this would be it. It was well worth the $18 and I never go to the movies here. I always download them.
DickMorris at 07:17 PM JST - 30th October

Shame to see the lack of morals on here. The proceeds of this movie should all go to charities helping abused children. Lord only knows how many Jackson abused and this film obviously only shows how "nice" the guy is , while missing out the drug injecting child abusing rest of his wicked life.

Any mention in this film about the kid with the multi million Dollar payout, who had proof he was abused by Whacko?
spudman at 07:23 PM JST - 30th October

Well if he had proof he would have gotten a heap more than he did. Yeah Jackson was a fruit cake but Dick, unless you have first hand experience in these matters you're just spouting rumors.
spudman at 07:25 PM JST - 30th October

SMAP singer Masahiro Nakai, 37

calling Nakai a singer is stretching it a bit.
ritalynn at 07:28 PM JST - 30th October

If this kid and his family really wanted justice served, he would have taken Jackson to court instead of accepting money. Sure, Jackson looked bad offering it, but if someone is hurt by him, wouldn't they want him to be punished?
spitfire at 10:34 PM JST - 30th October

Was scheduled to see this next week with friends, but decided to steal away to get an earlier glimpse.

What an incredible breathtaking mesmerizing experience this was!! I was left dazed and speechless. Michael was at the top of his game, never missing a beat in his dance, no different than dancers half of his age, his vocal range incredible especially when he sang acapella. With his artistic clout, he could've been demanding and authoritative, but he was soft-spoken, courteous, kind, and respectful to the entire crew who worked on the production. He is a perfectionist and a hands-on artist in his creative process. The intended concert also had a very strong environmental message and with all its intricate effects, it was going to be something we've never seen before. Watching him dance, there is no way he could've been highly drugged as claimed by many reports (I used to dance and know the stamina that's required). The body doesn't work like that. With the passion and love he puts into his work, it is not Michael Jackson who is dancing and singing. He is the dance and song!!

Yeah yeah, it's expensive to see movies in Japan and may seem exploitive to some, but there's nothing demeaning in the movie. The crew gets a lot of screen time as well and deservedly so. If you want to see a master at work on his craft, if you want some inspiration and passion for life, for art, go see the movie!
usaexpat at 12:28 AM JST - 31st October

DickMorris: Jackson gave much of his money to wide range of charities during his life. His children will recieve most of the profits from this movie which is as it should be. You certainly are secure in your "truth" aren't you? He was proven innocent and the kid who accused him and his family were grifters and cheats.

Moderator: Readers, please focus your comments on the movie.
aj4mj at 06:27 PM JST - 12th November

Michael was very misunderstood by some people.. This website gives him justice www.michaeljacksonshines.com (can be viewed in Japanese and most other languages)