Volume 04, Number 07
Music
Summer Music Festivals
Ready, Steady, Go! By Nine Yamamoto-Masson
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but one of the good things to look forward to is the summer festival season. With music events happening all over the country, get ready to rock! Here are a few of the major events that will lure you out of the suffocating heat in Tokyo, and attract thousands of music-lovers and international acts.
Fuji Rock Festival—Jul. 27–29
The most famous of all Japan's summer rock festivals, Fuji Rock is held every summer at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata prefecture and attracts over 100,000 fans each year. 2007's lineup is a treat: The legend that is The Cure have just announced their appearance—their first concert in Japan since 1984—along with iconic Iggy Pop & The Stooges, the Kaisers Chiefs, and more.
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan.
Tickets: Pre-booking has already started. See www.fujirockfestival.com for more info.
Summer Sonic—Aug. 11–12
Since its inception in 2000, Summer Sonic has become one of the major festivals in Japan. The festival is split between two easily accessible venues, Chiba and Osaka, with the bands swapping venues on Saturday evening. Expect to see The Stranglers, Cindy Lauper, Artic Monkeys, Travis, DJ Shadow, Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani, and more!
Where: Chiba: Chiba Marine Stadium, Makuhari Messe
International Event Halls. Osaka: WTC Open Air Stadium,
Intex, Zepp. More info at www.summersonic.com.
Rock In Japan—Aug. 3–5
Rock In Japan also dates from 2000 and is Japan's largest rock festival, which patriotically focuses on domestic rather than foreign bands. This year's line-up will be announced shortly, check the website for news.
Where: Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki.
Tickets: On sale from April 6.
See www.rock-net.jp/fes/07/index.html for more info.
Rising Sun Rock Festival—Aug. 17–18
Rising Sun Rock Festival in Hokkaido features mainly domestic bands (line up to be announced Apr. 15).
Where: Ishikari Bay New Port, Hokkaido.
More information at http://rsr.wess.co.jp.
23rd Tokyo Summer Festival 2007—Jun. 26–Aug. 5
There is something for everyone at the Tokyo Summer Festival 2007, as almost every genre of music is represented. What started off in 1984, is now the capital's major summer music fiesta. This year's theme is "Towards the islands—Sounds across the sea," and will portray the music of various islands from around the globe.
Where: Various venues all over Tokyo.
See www.arion-edo.org/tsf for more details.
Kodo Earth Celebration— Aug. 17–19
Taiko drum gurus Kodo celebrate the 20th anniversary of their annual "Earth Celebration" this summer, as usual on Sado Island off Niigata where it is held every August and features percussion groups from all over the world as well as workshops, fringe events, and exhibitions. In addition to its beautiful seaside scenery, Sado has as a unique history as a place of performing arts.
Where: Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture.
Details at www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/index.html.