Music doc:
“Westbam – In the Rhythm of the Night”

What began as a long day and night of filming in Tokyo started with an inspired interview with Japanese DJ pioneer Takkyu Ishino and led to an unexpectedly emotional encounter between iconic German DJ Westbam and one of his most devoted Japanese fans.

Takkyu Ishino is a pioneering Japanese techno DJ, producer and co-founder of the influential electronic music duo Denki Groove. Active internationally since the 1990s, he has performed at major events including Berlin’s Love Parade and is regarded as one of the leading figures in Japan’s techno scene. Mention his name, and many Japanese will be familiar with him.

All the more, I felt a certain amount of pressure interviewing him for the upcoming documentary about the equally iconic German DJ Westbam. They are friends, almost family, but also collaborators and influential artists in their respective countries. Ishino’s remarks about an ardent Westbam fan with a special present for the German artist would lay the groundwork for the most emotional scene later that night…

After filming a brief hello scene in front of the Tokyo venue, we accompanied Westbam, his partner and his son to Shibuya for some sushi and a relaxed stroll through the ever-busy quarter under the neon lights. While they spent the evening relaxing, we had some sushi too, then went to get our backstage passes and set up for a night of filming Ishino and Westbam’s show, titled “TAKBAM” (12 June, 2026).

Westbam, DJ, sushi, Japan, Tokyo | German DJ Westbam with a sushi chef in Tokyo © Sonja Blaschke — German DJ Westbam with a sushi chef in Tokyo © Sonja Blaschke

Before the start of the show, we waited outside to talk with a couple of fans – and managed to get hold of the aforementioned die-hard fan, who had indeed brought a very special present for his favourite DJ. Their later encounter brought tears to our eyes!

Ishino and Westbam played until 5 a.m., followed by an after-party backstage. A very long shoot, but a very rewarding one! Now I’m looking forward to seeing the documentary on the big screen. It will be released in cinemas sometime in 2027.

Westbam and his partner Hanna on stage during the three-hour show © Sonja Blaschke

Opening for his friend Westbam: Takkyu Ishino © Sonja Blaschke

Director: Cordula Kablitz-Post („Die Toten Hosen – You Only Live Once“, „FCK 2020 – Two and a Half Years with Scooter“, and “KREATOR – HATE & HOPE”)
Production: avanti media fiction GmbH (Berlin, Germany)
Runtime: 100 minutes
Theatrical release (Germany): 2027

DOP Unit 2 (Japan): Francisco Lopez
Director Unit 2 (Japan): Sonja Blaschke

Music doc: “Westbam – In the Rhythm of the Night”

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Music doc:
“Westbam – In the Rhythm of the Night”