On May 2, 1998, hide—one of Japan’s most iconic rock musicians—suddenly passed away. As the guitarist of X JAPAN and a solo artist (hide with Spread Beaver / zilch), he had captivated audiences across the country and beyond. His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout Japan. Nearly 50,000 mourners attended his funeral, turning the farewell into a nationwide phenomenon.
At the time, an album was still in production and a national tour had already been scheduled. Determined to share his brother’s music with the world, Hiroshi Matsumoto—hide’s younger brother and manager—took on the mission of completing what hide had started. Together with I.N.A., hide’s co-producer and longtime collaborator, and a group of close friends and fellow musicians, they began to carry out hide’s vision.
But without hide himself, the project faced immense challenges. As Hiroshi and I.N.A. pushed forward to finish the music he left behind, they were met with a series of obstacles that tested their resolve, friendship, and devotion to the artist they loved.
Based on the memoir "Kyoudai: Tsuioku no hide" (Brother: Remembering hide) by Hiroshi Matsumoto, hide’s real-life younger brother, this film tells a hopeful and heartfelt story about the music hide left behind—and how it was brought to the world by those who loved him. The film is directed by Renpei Tsukamoto, known for Bento Harassment (2019).
Tsubasa Imai stars as Hiroshi Matsumoto, hide’s brother and former manager. With a career spanning acting, music, and television, Imai takes on his first-ever leading film role, following performances in Life in Overtime (2018) and What She Likes... (2021).
Takashi Tsukamoto plays I.N.A., hide’s longtime collaborator and co-producer, reprising his connection to hide after narrating the documentary JUNK STORY (2015). hide himself is portrayed by rock guitarist JUON, known for his work as both vocalist and guitarist. Voice actor and actor Kenjiro Tsuda plays Kashima, a powerful record label executive.
The film also features a special appearance by hide’s actual beloved car—the Daimler Double Six—and a faithful recreation of the legendary hide with Spread Beaver appear!! “1998 TRIBAL Ja,zoo” concert, incorporating authentic live vocals from hide himself.
Carrying the memories of the world they once shared with hide, the men who stood by him take a bold step forward— a journey of love, music, and unshakable bonds that still resonate today.
