[2018] Recommended music festivals from April to July

favorite_borderLast updated:2018/7/5

• Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefHane Keisukebeenhere
  Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.

Music festival held in April

Thanks Seto Fes | Kagawa Prefecture

http://www.seto-30th.com

Thanks SETO Fes, a music festival held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

It’s a rather unusual music festival said to be held at the Yoshima Parking Area on the Seto-Chuo Expressway.

Yoshima Parking Area is located on the way to Shikoku after crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Honshu, making it a perfect venue for this event.

From the venue, you can enjoy a pleasant location with a sweeping view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bguf5lAnxfZ/?tagged=%E4%B8%8E%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%91%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AD%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2

In addition to shuttle buses to the venue on the day, there will also be Setouchi cruises, making it an event where you can fully enjoy the Setouchi area.

GAMADASE Kumamoto (Gamadase Kumamoto) | Kumamoto Prefecture

http://eplus.jp/sys/web/s/gamadase/index.html

GAMADASE Kumamoto is being held to support Kumamoto Prefecture as it continues its recovery from the damage caused by the Kumamoto Earthquakes.

“Gamadase” is a Kumamoto dialect meaning “Do your best.” The event is held with the hope of providing entertainment and energizing the local community.

The lineup includes everything from rock bands that regularly energize music festivals around the country to major enka stars, plus a kids’ stage featuring Shimajiro and YouTubers, making it an event that adults and children alike can enjoy.

I hope that events like these—not just about enjoying music—will become opportunities for many people to take part and think.

COMING KOBE (Kamikobe) | Hyogo Prefecture

http://comingkobe.com

COMING KOBE, also known as Kamikobe, which is held every year in Kobe.

In 2018, the venue was moved from the World Memorial Hall to Minato no Mori Park, and the event was held over two days.

It’s a charity festival that will be held with free admission as before, even as it scales up.

It embodies the idea of giving back for the support received during the recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

Fundraising activities are being carried out vigorously at the venue, and thanks to the goodwill of the participants, a large amount of donations is collected every year.

A distinctive feature is that various live performances are held simultaneously across multiple stages within the venue, so you might even have a chance encounter with a wonderful artist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUoFDDDDAeX/?tagged=%E3%82%AB%E3%83%9F%E3%82%B3%E3%83%99

In 2017, as a secret guestHi-STANDARDThere was a miraculous moment when they made an appearance, but what kind of miracle will happen this year...?

This is definitely an event that music festival freaks in Kansai will be keeping a close eye on!

Belief Toji (Belief Toji) | Kyoto Prefecture

https://www.facebook.com/beliefkyotojapan

An art festival held at Tō-ji, a temple in Kyoto that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belief To-ji is a comprehensive art festival centered on music—shared by performers, dancers, and musicians—where artists from various disciplines gather together in one place.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgtPsy_Hyi5/?tagged=belief%E6%9D%B1%E5%AF%BA%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9

Including the fact that it is held at a place called To-ji, this is a must-check event that removes the usual boundaries and crossovers various forms of art.

Please experience the diverse forms of expression—centered on music—through a variety of approaches.

A music festival held in May

Viva La Pop! | Saitama Prefecture

http://vivalapop.jp

VIVA LA POP!, positioned as a new sister festival to VIVA LA ROCK, which is held annually in Saitama Prefecture.

While posing the question, “What is rock?”, only truly wonderful artists who steadfastly uphold their own beliefs will appear—according to the presenter.Seiko Omoriis speaking.

"Cute" is cooler than "cool."It’s an event imbued with the belief that we embody rock within pop music.

Starting in 2018, Viva La Pop! could become an event that bridges idol fans and rock fans, breaking down the barriers between genres.

ANI-ROCK FES. (Anirock Festival) | Chiba Prefecture

http://www.anirockfes.jp

ANI-ROCK FES. is a music festival themed around anime songs, held at Saitama Super Arena.

In 2018, artists who provided the theme songs for Haikyu!! will perform on Day 1, and artists who provided the theme songs for Gintama will perform on Day 2.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIKf3sihb07/?tagged=%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9

It’s an event where music fans, anison fans, and anime fans can all come together and have fun.

Interestingly, the selection and lottery sale of tickets was conducted through the Animate online shop, which is a rollout method not seen at other music festivals and likely caught the attention of anime fans.

For two days, you can immerse yourself in the performances of artists who bring the world of anime to life!

Panda Music Festival | Tokyo, Japan

http://pandaongakusai.com

The Panda Music Festival held in Ueno, Tokyo, is a music fest with a warm, picnic-themed atmosphere.

It’s a stage featuring only solo performances with instruments and vocals, making it a relaxing music festival that’s perfect for this pleasant season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUB2GdClw–/?tagged=%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E9%9F%B3%E6%A5%BD%E7%A5%AD

Singing, dancing, and going all out at a music festival is great fun, but how about a cozy, family-friendly music festival you can enjoy with your loved ones?

The merch is laid-back and cute too, so it’s a must-check!

https://pandashop.thebase.in

Rainbow’s End | Kyoto Prefecture

http://www.rainbows-end.jp

Rainbow’s End, held at the Maruyama Park Outdoor Music Hall, not far from Kyoto’s Gion.

This annual event features a wide variety of food and merchandise vendors as well as a kids’ area, and is notable for attracting a large number of families.

Since KYOTO MUSE is the organizer, the lineup of vendors is unique to Rainbow’s End, featuring shops from Kyoto and stores run by our fellow bands.

Sometimes, even musicians who usually play aggressively in a band will all perform acoustically on this day, letting you enjoy a slightly rare type of live show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg1EyY8lCtT/?taken-by=rainbows_end_kyoto

This is the most recommended event in Kyoto in spring.

MiMiNOKO ROCK FES JAPAN (Miminoko Rock Festival) | Tokyo

http://miminoko69.com

It is a circuit-style music festival held across multiple venues in Kichijoji, Tokyo.

When it comes to Kichijoji, it’s known for consistently ranking high among the most desirable neighborhoods to live in, and for its abundance of stylish cafes and delicious restaurants.

There will be seven venues centered around Kichijoji Station on the day, so it’s a great idea to enjoy the Kichijoji area between moves or after the event ends.

The performers are mainly indie bands that will lead the music scene from here on out!

Although it's an event held in the Kanto region, many Kansai bands will also perform.

A music festival held in June

1000-Person Rock Festival GUNMA (1000-Nin Rock Fes) | Gunma Prefecture

https://www.facebook.com/1000rock

The 1,000-Person Rock Fest is a one-of-a-kind event built around the concept of a session performed by 1,000 people.

At an outdoor venue surrounded by nature, we are recruiting participants in units of 100 people for each section.

The 2018 set piece isBOØWYIt's 'NO, NEW YORK'.

Town revitalization with BOØWYIt was even featured on television.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfzzo23n7ro/?tagged=1000%E4%BA%BA%E3%83%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF

Perhaps many BOØWY fans will participate in the session on the day?

Osaka Castle JAZZ Festival | Osaka Prefecture

https://www.facebook.com/osakajo.jazz

A jazz festival planned and run by university students in the Kansai region: the Osaka Castle JAZZ Festival.

The performers, of course, are university student big bands, and it’s an event that has been held since 2007.

https://www.instagram.com/p/3EFC6BsTat/?tagged=%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E5%9F%8Ejazzfestival

The Osaka-jo Open-Air Music Hall, the event venue, is surrounded by greenery, with Osaka Castle Park spreading out around it and even a fountain nearby. Thanks to this excellent setting, it’s a perfect spot for the refreshing early-summer weather.

THE CAMP BOOK | Niigata Prefecture

https://www.facebook.com/thecampbookfes

Set at a ski resort in Niigata Prefecture, THE CAMP BOOK embraces the motto “learn together, play together,” proposing that we discover something through the very best kinds of play.

By having a blast and spending time in nature, you might discover things you don’t usually notice.

With many workshops on offer and a kids’ area available, this is a festival I can highly recommend for families.

Furthermore, it seems that at CAMP BOOK you can even hold a wedding at the venue on the day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXRrZbrhnbP/?tagged=thecampbook

If you’re a music-loving couple, why not create a once-in-a-lifetime memory in this perfect location and setting?

LUNATIC FEST. (Luna Fes) | Chiba Prefecture

http://lunaticfest.com

The band that dominated the music scene of the 1990s,LUNA SEAThe Luna Fest organized by ...

Held in 2015 to commemorate the band’s 25th anniversary, with the eagerly anticipated second edition taking place in 2018.

And what’s astounding is how star-studded the lineup is.

Of course there will be visual-kei bands, but I’m excited about the unprecedented lineup that also features guitar rock and hardcore bands—acts that are regulars at summer festivals.

An impressive 2018 must-see festival with a lineup that seems precisely aimed at our generation.

ZIPANG | Chiba Prefecture

https://www.facebook.com/upperkidz

ZIPANG is a resort-style music and art festival held to showcase Japan’s underground party culture.

Notably, as the name “resort style” suggests, you can see the ocean, and all the prepared stages are covered, so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the weather.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV_gHsXjj_f/?taken-by=upper.zipang

The venue is decorated with a resort-inspired flair like this, and it’s sure to be Instagram-worthy!

A music festival held in July

OCEAN PEOPLES | Tokyo

http://oceanpeoples.com

At the event OCEAN PEOPLES, which focuses on coastal environments and marine conservation, sea-themed food and goods are sold, and as part of the festivities, live music performances are also held.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWUf_n6A5WZ/?taken-by=oceanpeoples

In addition to organizing and planning such events, OCEAN PEOPLES also carries out activities to protect coastlines—such as campaigns to install trash bins on beaches—and continues its educational outreach.

We hope that events like these will inspire more people to pay attention to environmental protection.

Also keep an eye on the GREENROOM FESTIVAL, which is likewise organized by OCEAN PEOPLES.

Konason Fes | Tokushima Prefecture

http://www.konasonfes.jp

A festival organized by the girls’ band Chatmonchy from Tokushima Prefecture.

It’s their final Konason Festival, as they announced they would conclude their activities in 2018.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCaPA9sIgcb/?tagged=%E3%81%93%E3%81%AA%E3%81%9D%E3%82%93%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9

Konason means “You’ll lose out if you don’t come,” and this Konason Fest is shaping up to be a two-day event that any true Chatmonchy fan would absolutely regret missing.

Let’s witness the gallant figure of the group who built an era—so much so that people would say, “When it comes to girl bands, it’s Chatmonchy!”

Yakirai Meat Rock Festival | Nagano Prefecture

http://yakifes.jp

As the event title suggests, Yaki-Rai-Niku Rock Fest is a rock festival where you can enjoy yakiniku right at the venue.

They provide the equipment and ingredients at the venue, so it’s an awesome event where you can enjoy a barbecue even if you show up empty-handed on the day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKeyfFqAA8b/?tagged=%E7%84%BC%E4%BE%86%E8%82%89%E3%83%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9

It’s really exciting that you can enjoy a music festival and a barbecue at the same time!

In 2017, it was unfortunately canceled due to a typhoon, so for 2018 we’re aiming for a comeback and hoping it will be held without any issues.

SUNNY TRAIN REVUE | Hokkaido

https://www.sunny-train.com

This music festival is organized by Sapporo Television, based on the idea of exploring what would happen if a TV station created a festival.

In addition to the bands that regularly appear at festivals around the country, many artists who frequently appear on TV also perform, since the event is hosted by a television network.

The lineup that people of all ages can enjoy is really appealing.

There are also plans for food booths, so we can look forward to delicious dishes unique to Hokkaido.

Lastly

We brought you a big, bang-up introduction to standout music festivals taking place from April through July.

From spring to early summer, the weather is comfortable and refreshing, so in addition to the music, you can also enjoy the food, scenery, and strolling around the host city.

In recent years, music festivals have diversified, and many events are packed with elements you can enjoy beyond the music itself, so be sure to check them out.