January Music Festivals [2026]: Winter Fests, Outdoor Live Shows, and a Roundup of New Year Music Events

Last updated:2026/3/13

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

In this article, I’ll be introducing music festivals taking place in January! You might not associate the dead of winter with music festivals, but surprisingly, music events are held across the country.

There may not be many, but there are annual staples as well as new, buzzworthy events you won’t want to miss.

As you read, find the perfect event to kick off your year with your first music festival of the season.

Past events

Happy New Year! Idol First Dream LiveFri 1/2 – Sat 1/3, Tokyo

atjam.jp

Schedule	Fri–Sat, Jan 2–3, 2026
place	Tokyo, Koto City, Zepp DiverCity / DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Festival Square
Website	https://atjam.jp/

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New Beginning FesSun, Jan 4 – Tokyo Metropolis

Schedule	Sunday, January 4, 2026
place	Tokyo Garden Theater, Koto City, Tokyo Metropolis
Website	https://www.new-beginning-fes.jp/
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rockin’on sonicSun, 1/4 (Chiba Prefecture)

Schedule	Sunday, January 4, 2026
place	Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Website	https://rockinonsonic.com/
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THICK FESTIVALSun, Jan 4 — Kanagawa Prefecture

A festival hosted by the three-piece melodic punk band SECRET 7 LINE will be held. In 2016, there was a great sorrow for them and for us fans, but seeing them overcome it and continue to perform is truly moving. Live-show kids, be sure to check it out.