The film ‘Mr. Jimmy’ is set to be released in Japan on Friday, January 10, 2025.
This documentary focuses on Jimmy Sakurai, a Japanese man whose life work is to fully embody the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Since high school, he has relentlessly pursued Page’s performances and persona, showcasing his extraordinary commitment to perfectly recreating everything—from varying guitar play and arrangements for each live show to the action, costumes, and equipment involved.
While working as a salaryman, Sakurai has performed tribute shows in small clubs for over 30 years. His dedication eventually caught the attention of Jimmy Page himself, who, during a secret visit to Japan in 2012, attended one of Sakurai’s performances and praised it highly. Receiving official recognition from Page transformed Sakurai’s life. At the age of 50, he decided to move to the U.S. and joined the tribute band Led Zepagain, thrilling audiences across North America while facing challenges like language barriers and conflicts with band members. Director Peter Michael Dowd captured Sakurai’s journey in this documentary.
Along with the release announcement, a promotional poster featuring Sakurai perfectly recreating Page on stage has been unveiled. This visual includes a photo of Sakurai smiling alongside Jimmy Page.
Notably, the film has been officially endorsed by Jimmy Page, and it includes the licensed use of 30 Led Zeppelin songs, including classics like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Immigrant Song,” and “Rock and Roll.”
MR. JIMMY
<STORY>
In the snow-covered town of Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, teenager Akio Sakurai retreats to his room, surrounded by a mountain of Led Zeppelin records and headphones, losing himself in a world of music. After relocating to Tokyo, Akio works as a kimono salesman during the day and transforms into “Mr. Jimmy” at night, honing the guitar skills and persona of Jimmy Page. For 35 years, he meticulously replicates vintage Zeppelin concerts note by note in a small Tokyo club until one fateful night when the “real” Jimmy Page appears at his performance. This encounter changes his life forever. Inspired by Page’s applause, Akio decides to leave his salaryman job and family behind to move to Los Angeles and join the cover band “Led Zepagain.” However, he soon faces conflicts with his bandmates over their artistic direction, as the reality of America clashes with his idealized vision.
<CAST & STAFF>
Starring: Jimmy Sakurai
Produced, Directed, and Edited by: Peter Michael Dowd
Cinematography: Ivan Kovach & Matthew Brut
Music Recording & Mixing: Jeffrey Jussan
2023, USA & Japan, Japanese and English, 16:9 Vista, 114 minutes, 5.1ch
English title: Mr. Jimmy
©One Two Three Films
Produced by: New Select | Distributed by: Albatross Film
Featured Led Zeppelin Songs (30 Tracks)
Dazed and Confused / The Song Remains the Same / Since I’ve Been Loving You / Whole Lotta Love / The Rain Song / Custard Pie / Rock and Roll / I Can’t Quit You Baby / Bron-Y-Aur Stomp / Ramble On / Stairway to Heaven / Celebration Day / Achilles Last Stand / Black Dog / Moby Dick / Bron-Yr-Aur / The Lemon Song / Communication Breakdown / Good Times Bad Times / Going to California / The Ocean / Heartbreaker / Kashmir / Babe I’m Gonna Leave You / Over the Hills and Far Away / Misty Mountain Hop / No Quarter / Thank You / Immigrant Song / How Many More Times
The film is set to be released nationwide starting January 10, 2025, at Shinjuku Cinema Qualite and other theaters.
