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2021 Summer Music Festivals in Japan
Fuji Rock
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After a year hiatus, Fuji Rock is back this summer and is going local featuring a lineup of all homegrown acts. Normally held at Naeba Ski Resort in late July, the event has moved to August this year and is planning for about 40% of normal capacity, which means less crowds and more elbow room for Fuji Rockers and campers.
Morio Takizawa, who has been Campground Director for Fuji Rock for 15 years and is the editor for Outdoor magazine says there is a renewed dedication to a “Leave no trace” policy for campers and festival-goers and promoting self-reliance for campers who are asked to bring everything they need and take everything out with them.
“We are expecting a more relaxed vibe this summer, but campers do need to be prepared for hot, unpredictable weather,” he says.
“Reusable masks, rechargeable batteries, alcohol spray, reusable water bottles, camping gear and rain gear are all advised. We ask campers to solo camp or to camp with people they live with,” he adds.
There are no camping rentals available but there is a help desk for campers in need of assistance. Food stalls will be more spread out this year and organizers will be taking disease control precautions that they expect will be the new normal at festivals moving forward. Campground reservations are now available with ticket purchases. Check out the website for more details and lineup updates. For those wondering about Asagiri Jam 2021, no announcement has been made, but you can check for updates at asagirijam.jp.
When: Aug. 20-22
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
Supersonic
Summersonic has been canceled due to the Tokyo Olympics, but the organizers have announced Supersonic, a more electronic version of the urban music festival, coming in September.
When: Sept. 18-19
Where: Tokyo and Osaka
Earth Celebration
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Kodo, the world-renowned taiko group that calls Sado Island home, held their annual Earth Celebration last year as a live-stream-only event. There will be an official announcement soon whether they will go live or live-streamed so visit their website for updates. Two exciting shows are planned: on Saturday Tomohiro Mitome will celebrate his 30th anniversary as a Kodo member with a special celebration and some special guests. Sunday will feature a performance by Kodo’s all-stars.
There will also be live-streamed workshops and lectures, promotion for followers to share Earth Celebration memories on Instagram and One Earth Music, where fans and musicians can play and share music compositions by Kodo. Looking ahead, 2022 will be the Earth Celebration’s 35th anniversary and Kodo’s 40th.
When: Aug. 20-22
Where: Ogi, Sado Island, Niigata
M Festival
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M Festival is back for its second year in Myoko. The event is billed as a celebration of music, art, wellness and healthy lifestyles with a diverse range of music styles.
When: Sept. 25-26
Where: Ikenotaira Resort, Myoko, Niigata
Other Music Events
Rock in Japan Festival
When: Aug. 7-9 and Aug. 14-15
Where: Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki
Rising Sun Rock Festival in Ezo
When: Aug. 13-14
Where: Ishikari, Hokkaido
Music Circus
When: Sept. 4-5
Where: Osaka Sennen Rinku Park, Osaka
Sunshine Festival
When: Sept. 18-20
Where: Yuzawa, Niigata
Rainbow Camp
When: Oct. 2-3
Where: Iiji Kogen Nature Tent Village, Ena, Gifu
2021 Summer Music Festivals in Japan