SMAP's Nakai, Japan's representative to the world premiere of Michael Jackson's This is It

October 11, 8:46 PMJapanese Entertainment ExaminerHannah Buerano

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This is It movie poster by Sony Pictures

Japan's legendary boyband SMAP will pay homage to the King of Pop after their leader Masahiro Nakai was invited to attend the world premiere of This is It at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California on October 27.  Invited by Sony Pictures to the event, he is the sole Japanese representative on the star-studded red carpet event, which will include superstars like Diana  Ross, Beyonce, Madonna, Elton John, and Mariah Carey.  A superstar in Japan in his own right, Nakai is looking forward to attending the event, and reporting about his experience back to his country.

With Michael Jackson's last appearance in Japan was on June 2006 in SMAP's TV show SMAPXSMAP, Nakai had prior interaction with the global phenomenon called the King of Pop.  Jackson surprised the boyband with an unannounced visit to their studio recording of their show.  On that specific event, Nakai expressed his admiration for the King of Pop. 

Outside of the United States, Japan has the largest music industry in the world, and Jackson has influenced its evolution to become what is currently called JPop.  Despite not entirely mimicking Jackson's music, JPop artists are influenced by the level and energy of his performances.  From the moon walk, to stage pyrotechnics, the star has inspired many Japanese performers to try to entertain audiences in a similar fashion.  SMAP, still the biggest name in the Japanese music industry, has received some of their inspiration from the late King of Pop.  With Nakai's attendance to the sneak peak at the Nokia Theatre, he gives his final salute to one of Japan's most beloved international acts.

With the film's simultaneous release to theatres around the globe, Japanese fans included, can witness Michael Jackson onstage one last time.  This is It will include footage of Michael Jackson's preparation for his tour that would have begun this past summer at London's sold-out O2 Arena.  Because of his untimely death on June 25, fans' hearts were broken around the world for loss of their idol.  This film directed by Dirty Dancing director, Kenny Ortega, will offer fans the final glimpse of what could have been the superstar's greatest performance ever as well as his final days before his death.  To be shown around the world for a limited engagement of two weeks, fans can finally bid the King of Pop a final farewell with this film in his memoriam.

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More Info: Michael Jackson.com, Sanspo.com, Sponichi