Hi, readers. I’m Heir from the MMN editorial department.
Japan’s week of holidays known as Golden Week is about to begin. This year there are a whopping 10 holidays in a row, and during that time, lots of festivals are set to take place up and down the country.
Have you ever experienced a Japanese festival yourself? In this article I’m going to recommend 6 music festivals taking place during Golden Week that won’t fail to excite music lovers.
1. ARABAKI 2019 (Miyagi)
ARABAKI ROCK FEST is one of the main rock festivals in Japan that takes place in the Tohoku region. The event came to be as a way to promote Japan’s native culture up and down the country through a fusion of history, culture and rock music.
A total of 52 artists are set to perform this year including Aimyon, Wednesday Campanella and QUEEN BEE. Enjoy two days of music while getting up close and personal with Tohoku culture.
▶︎INFO
ARABAKI ROCK FES.2019
Date: April 27, 2019 – April 28, 2019
Location: Michinoku Park, Kawasaki, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://arabaki.com
2. FM802 REQUESTAGE (Osaka)
This live event will take place at Osaka-jo Hall on April 29. Six huge names in the Japanese music industry will take to the stage for this one-night show: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, [ALEXANDROS], UVERworld, King Gnu, THE ORAL CIGARETTES, and Motohiro Hata.
▶︎INFO
FM802 30PARTY SPECIAL LIVE Kiyo Bank presents REQUESTAGE 2019
Date: April 29, 2019
Time: Open 15:00 / Start 16:00
Venue: Osaka-jo Hall
Official Website: https://funky802.com/requestage/
3. Kyoto Mirai Matsuri (Kyoto)
Kyoto Mirai Matsuri 2019 will take place at Minami-za, Kyoto’s oldest kabuki theatre, where the latest cutting-edge technology will clash with contemporary culture. The event will take place both in the day and at night offering their own unique experiences.
The line-up includes artists such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, BiSH, m-flo, CAPSULE and more. This is a chance to witness traditional Japanese culture combine with modern art, so if you’re in Kyoto this Golden Week be sure to check it out.
▶︎INFO
–OTOMATSURI–
Date: April 30, 2019 – May 5, 2019
Venue: Minami-za (198 Shijo Dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
Official Website: https://www.miraimatsuri.com
4. VIVA LA ROCK 2019 (Saitama)
VIVA LA ROCK, or VIVA LA for short as it’s known, is a rock festival that has taken place every May since 2014. The event invites a line-up of next generation artists that represent the “now” of the Japanese music scene.
An incredible 97 artists will be at this year’s festival including ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, UVERworld and KEYTALK. As well as music, concertgoers can look forward to food, outdoor BBQs, DJ performances and much more.
▶︎INFO
VIVA LA ROCK 2019
Date: May 3, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Venue: Saitama Super Arena
Official Website: https://vivalarock.jp/2019/
5. JAPAN JAM 2019 (Chiba)
JAPAN JAM is a huge music festival that has taken place every Golden Week since 2010. This outdoor event will take place at Soga Sports Park where attendees can look forward to a line-up of 54 artists and musicians such as Aimer, Fujifabric, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Gesu no Kiwami Otome, miwa―the list goes on.
▶︎INFO
JAPAN JAM 2019
Date: May 4, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Venue: Soga Sports Park, Chiba
Official Website: http://japanjam.jp
6. TOKYO M.A.P.S (Tokyo)
Another annual Golden Week event―this one since 2008―TOKYO M.A.P.S is a celebration of music, art and performance. The line-up this year features Trio Ohashi, Kitri, Ukigumo and more.
What’s great about this event is that it’s free to attend! Kick back and enjoy the live performances of a line-up of incredible artists in a relaxed environment.
▶︎INFO
J-WAVE & Roppongi Hills present TOKYO M.A.P.S ohashi Trio EDITION
Date: May 5, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Venue: Roppongi Hills Arena
Official Website: http://www.tokyomaps.jp
Golden Week is a time for fun and games, so if you’re in Japan, be sure you get to experience one of its many music festivals!
RELATED ENTRIES
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The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.
Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!
Information
KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023
*BAND-MAID to perform on Day 1, April 1
DAY 1 – ROADSHOWApril 1, 2023
DAY 2 – FESTIVALApril 2, 2023
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9-11
https://knotfestjapan.com
Official Site: https://bandmaid.tokyo -
On October 29, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took part in Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival in Oakland, California. The following day, the popular singer also appeared at Porter Robinson + Friends, an afterparty event held in San Francisco. American fans are finding their excitement at a fever pitch as the Harajuku-based artist continues to perform abroad! Kyary Pamyu Pamyu recently made headlines when she performed an unprecedented 62 songs at Nippon Budokan on October 19 during the final stop on her 10th-anniversary tour. Following this impressive feat, Kyary performed at yet another festival in Japan before hastily returning to the United States following her show-stopping performance at Coachella half a year ago. Porter Robinson's Second Sky Music Festival was hosted by and featured performances by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Porter Robinson. Other important figures in the dance music scene also appeared including SKRILLEX and RL GRIME. The event took place in a large parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics MLB team. Since the show took place close to Halloween, plenty of decorations could be found, and fans lined up from the early morning to get inside. Although Kyary’s performance was scheduled for quite early in the day, the audience sprawled out as far as the eye could see. As DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 began to play, fans began to excitedly call out Kyary’s name. In Japan, regulations are in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning that audience members are forbidden to yell during concerts–but no such precaution exists in the U.S. It was clear that Kyary was beyond excited to hear the audience’s enthusiasm, and as the show began, the artist called out “Second Sky,” to which the fans responded with excited cries. The audience danced wildly to Candy Racer and Dodonpa, two of Kyary's most peppy tracks, which played in succession. The singer did her best to speak English. “Hello! I’m Kyary Pamyu Pamyu from Japan,” she began. She then complimented a fan in full Kyary cosplay. “Wow! Nice costume! PONPONPON costume, so nice,” she said.During CANDY CANDY -Remix-, the audience raised their hands high in the air as they followed Kyary’s instructions to jump, swaying from left to right. As the audience moved in sync, a number of hit tracks began to play, including Harajuku Iyahoi and Tsukematsukeru. However, nothing could match the excitement of the moment that the intro to PONPONPON began to play. Porter Robinson, who was watching the live performance from the side of the stage, was moved to tears, and everyone could feel how big Kyary's presence was for local fans.
Kyary's performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April of this year became a hot topic, showing that Kyary is still incredibly popular in the U.S. ten years after her major debut. In addition to her largest national tour to date, Kyary has made numerous appearances at music festivals in Japan and abroad in 2022. The artist’s first overseas performance during her 11th year as a performer was an incredible success and bodes well for Kyary’s future. ＜Setlist＞ 2022.10.29 “Second Sky Music Festival” OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021 1. Candy Racer 2. Dodonpa 3.Invader Invader 4. CANDY CANDY –Remix- 5. Ninja Re Bang Bang –Steve Aoki Remix- 6. Harajuku Iyahoi 7. Tsukematsukeru 8. PONPONPON –Extended Mix- 9. Fashion Monster
2022.10.30 “Porter Robinson + Friends” OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021 1. Candy Racer 2. Ninja Re Bang Bang 3. CANDY CANDY 4.Crazy Party Night-Pumpkins Strike Back- 5. Kira Kira Killer 6. Isshin Doutai 7. Harajuku Iyahoi 8. Fashion Monster 9. PONPONPON
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Katy Perry to Perform Together for the First Time at True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022
The Nippon Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities in Japan and abroad for over fifty years. To mark this incredible milestone, True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 will be held on November 19 and 20 at Tokyo Garden Theater. The performance aims to inspire fans to express their uniqueness. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform as a guest performer on both days of the concert, which stands to be one of the largest live events in the world put on by artists with disabilities. Kyary became a smash hit with audiences worldwide after Katy Perry praised her PONPONPON music video on Twitter, and the two are said to be fans of one another. This will be the first time that the two pop icons will perform on stage together. “I’m looking forward to performing with so many unique artists from around the world,” Kyary said in a statement. “I’m so happy that I’m going to live my dream of performing with Katy!”Information
True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022
Venue: TOKYO GARDEN THEATER (2-1-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Dates:
November 19 / Doors Open at 16:00, Show Starts at 18:00
November 20 / Doors Open at 15:00, Show Starts at 17:00
Official Site: https://truecolorsfestival.com/jp/program/the_concert/
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Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square. The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website. Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!
Information
TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022
Dates:
October 4: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 5: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 6: 16:00-19:00
Venue: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square
(2-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)Buy Tickets/Details: https://tokyosakefestival.bitfan.id/
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Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022 was originally held on June 25 and 26, 2022. Those who missed out on SiM’s outdoor festival will be able to watch it on the Amazon Music Japan channel on Twitch on August 16 at 20:00 along with exclusive commentary from the members. In addition, Shuhei Igari (HEY-SMITH), GEN (04 Limited Sazabys), and Takuya Yamanaka (THE ORAL CIGARETTES) will appear. 20 artists who participated in the festival will give their personal thoughts on the June event including behind-the-scenes stories. Fans of Attack on Titan won’t want to miss the first live performance of SiM’s track The Rumbling, used as the opening theme for The Final Season Part 2. Prior to the event on the Amazon Music Japan channel, a playlist consisting of songs performed at DEADPOP FESTiVAL 2022 is available on Amazon Music Unlimited. Be sure to check it out!
Information
Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022
Amazon Music Japan Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/amazonmusicjp
Playlist: https://amzn.to/DPF2022AML
*Amazon, Amazon Music, and all related properties are trademarks of Amazon.com.
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NIJISANJI Fes 2022, the largest NIJISANJI event to date, will be held on October 1 and October 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Ahead of the festival, ANYCOLOR has announced the 118 VTubers that will be participating, along with new illustrations showing some popular personalities wearing class T-shirts which will be available at the venue. NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Special Announcement Videohttps://youtu.be/st-m1G_DYS8 The image song for NIJISANJI Fes 2022, Hurrah!!, is now available to stream. The music video for the track will feature fan art which will also be displayed at the venue, so get your entries in by August 28!
Illustrations Highlighting Class T-Shirts
NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Image Song, Hurrah!!
Music: Mito Tsukino, Sasaki Saku, Kuzuha, Lize Helesta, Sara Hoshikawa, Minato Fuwa, Axia Krone Lyrics / Composition / Arrangement: Jin On the special website, newly-drawn illustrations of the 118 participating VTubers are featured. Each member is a part of a different class, and these class T-shirts will be handed out at random to those with tickets to the event as a bonus. They will also be available for purchase, so don’t worry if you don’t get the one you want! ▼Green Manami Aizono, Uiha Aiba, Youko Akabane, Axia Krone, Akane Asahina, Hina Asuka, Momo Azuchi, Kokoro Amamiya, Sayo Amemori, Almal Ars, Katrina Ange, Mugi Ienaga, Inui Toko, Ibrahim, Ichigo Ushimi, Muyu Amagase, Vox Akuma ▼Indigo Kou Uzuki, Albio Ex, Emma★August, Eli Conifer, Elu, Haruka Onomachi, Oliver Evans, Haru Kaida, Hayato Kagami, Kanae, Shoichi Kanda, Hisui Kitakoji, Gilzaren III, Gwelu Os Gar, Kuzuha, Yotsuba Umise, Aza ▼Blue Natsume Kurusu, Kuroi Shiba, Mirei Gundou, Tojiro Genzuki, Touya Kenmochi, Akina Saegusa, Ritsuki Sakura, Sasaki Saku, Yuika Shiina, Shellin Burgundy, Rin Shizuka, SisterClaire, Hajime Shibuya, Joe Rikiichi, Tomoe Shirayuki, Akira Shikinagi, Eine ▼Red Sango Suo, Kana Sukoya, Utako Suzuka, Masaru Suzuki, Aki Suzuya, Miyako Seto, Kirame Sorahoshi, Rion Takamiya, Mito Tsukino, Debidebi Debiru, Kohaku Todo, Dola, Kyoko Todoroki, Kei Nagao, Naraka, Kanato Fura, Elira Pendora ▼Orange Naru Naruse, Chigusa Nishizono, Sociere Nui, Fuyuki Hakase, Hanabatake Chaika, Sou Hayase, Marin Hayama, Air Harusaki, Kaede Higuchi, Gaku Fushimi, Tamaki Fumino, Furen E. Lustario, Fuwa Minato, Belmond Pandelas, Nei Ponto, Pomu Rainpuff ▼Yellow Sara Hoshikawa, Himawari Honma, Keisuke Maimoto, Ririmu Makaino, Meme Mashiro, Chima Machita, Mao Matsukai, Moira, Alice Mononobe, Kazaki Morinaka, Rine Yaguruma, Kizuki Yashiro, Karuta Yamagami, Chihiro Yuki, Seraph Dazzlegarden, Mysta Rias ▼Violet Riri Yuhi, Mahiro Yukishiro, Roa Yuzuki, Kakeru Yumeoi, Ratna Petit, Lize Helesta, Ryushen, Mikoto Rindou, Lain Paterson, Luis Cammy, Levi Elipha, Vincent Leos, Lauren Iroas, Hibari Watarai, Finana Ryugu, Hyakumantenbara Salome Information
NIJISANJI Fes 2022
Dates: October 1, 2 / 9:00-18:00
*Night Stage: September 30, October 1
Venue: Makuhari Messe 1-6 HallsDetails / Official Site: https://fes.nijisanji.jp/
NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Fanart Submissions
Open until August 28
https://fes.nijisanji.jp/furefurenijisanji/