"Letter in the Sky" is a song recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai featuring American pop band the Jacksons. Originally released digitally on October 19, 2011, by EMI Music Japan, it was released physically on December 14, 2011, alongside "Happiness" as an A-side. "Letter in the Sky" served as the lead single from Ai's ninth studio album, Independent (2012).
Background and release In April 2011, Ai presented a music documentary, Ai Miss Michael Jackson: King of Pop no Kiseki, that was recorded for Music On! TV. In the documentary, she traveled to the United States and interviewed members of the Jackson family in their home.
Completing her contract with Island Records and Universal Sigma, Ai signed a global publishing deal with EMI. Signing to EMI Music Japan, she started to work on her ninth studio album.
In October 2011, "Letter in the Sky" was announced as Ai's first single under EMI. Originally released digitally on October 19, 2011, a physical copy was later released. "Letter in the Sky" served as the theme song for the Michael Jackson Tribute: Live in Tokyo concert that took place December 13 and 14th, 2011 at Yoyogi National Stadium.
On August 14, 2026, Ai released a remix of "Letter in the Sky". The remix was produced by Uta and Ai.
Music video A music video was released on October 19, 2011. Various clips from the recording session of "Letter in the Sky" are used in the video.
Track listing
Charts + Chart performance for "Letter in the Sky" Chart (2011) Peakposition Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan) 36 Japan Singles Chart (Oricon) 14 Japan Top Singles Sales (Billboard Japan) 13
Credit and personnel Original
Ai – vocals, songwriter, producer Jackie Jackson – vocals Marlon Jackson – vocals Tito Jackson – vocals Curtis Jenkins – songwriter Danny Lashine – songwriter King David "The Future" – producer, songwriter, programming Jesse Josefsson – guitar Dan Manzoor – bass (vocal)
Arigato remix
Ai – vocals, producer Jackie Jackson – vocals Marlon Jackson – vocals Tito Jackson – voals D.O.I. – mixing Claudio Cueni – engineer
Release history + Release history and formats for "Letter in the Sky" Region Date Format(s) Version Label Various October 19, 2011 DigitalEMI Japan Japan December 14, 2011 Maxi single Various August 14, 2026 Arigato remix EMI
References