The appeal of Japan’s largest rock festival, ROCK IN JAPAN FES. (Rock in Japan Festival)

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• Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisukebeenhere
  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.

What is ROCK IN JAPAN FES.?

It’s one of Japan’s largest outdoor festivals organized by Rockin’ On, famous for the music magazine “ROCK’IN ON JAPAN,” and as the event’s title suggests,The performers are limited to Japanese music artists.。

Launched in 2000 with a long history, it has now become one of Japan’s signature summer festivals—virtually synonymous with summer festivals themselves.

The venue is Hitachi Seaside Park, a national park in Ibaraki Prefecture. While the inaugural event was held over two days, from the second year it expanded to three days, and since 2014 it has been held over two weekends for a total of four days, and nowA signature event of Japan’s largest rock festivalIt is.

Stage Introduction

At ROCK IN JAPAN, seven stages are set up, and various live performances take place simultaneously on each one.

Here, I would like to introduce those seven stages.

First, the main stage boasting a capacity of about 70,000 people,GRASS STAGEIt is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6-eBqyhuXE

As its name suggests, this stage set up on a vast grass field features, in addition to the standing area at the front,There are also designated seating and tent areas in the back.。

The second one has a capacity of ten thousand people.LAKE STAGE。

On this stage, which has a tranquil lake behind it, there are semicircular steps surrounding the regular standing area where it seems you can sit on the steps and enjoy the live performance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/5zQvWkJyoJ

Isn’t it a stage with a unique flavor that you can only experience at Rock in Japan?

And the third and fourth can each accommodate 8,000 and 10,000 people, respectively.SOUND OF FORESTandPARK STAGE。

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmVZPW9BfhF/?tagged=soundofforest

Both are surrounded by trees.It has become a pleasant stage.

The fifth one isBUZZ STAGEA stage with a capacity of 4,500 people, called ____.

This was originally a DJ booth, but it’s now used not only for DJs but also for live acts.

How about wrapping up the day with a DJ set on the BUZZ STAGE?

And the sixth and seventh are 4,000-seatWING STAGEandHILL SIDE STAGE。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LEDUlar8wE

It’s the smallest stage at ROCK IN JAPAN, but not only next-generation acts—veteran artists perform there too, letting you enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Although both are the smallest stages at ROCK IN JAPAN, they are still impressive stages worthy of the ROCK IN JAPAN name.

Since live performances are held on each of the seven stages like this,How about making your own timetable and trying to go around according to it?

The Appeal of ROCK IN JAPAN FES

Finally, let me introduce two major highlights of ROCK IN JAPAN.

The sheer scale unique to large-scale events

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmbOB3Qjf3U

As mentioned from the outset, Rock in Japan is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Japan.

In recent years, over the four days the total attendance has been around 200,000, and nearly 200 artists perform live one after another.

Just looking at these numbers alone gives me a sense of the extraordinary, and as a festival fan, I can’t help but feel giddy with excitement (lol).

A large number of food vendors set up shop as well, so you can enjoy a variety of festival foods.

Encyclopedia of the Japanese music scene

It’s included among Japan’s four major festivals, just like ROCK IN JAPAN.Fuji Rockand/or; such as; or (used to list examples)Summer SonicWhile overseas artists serve as headliners and attract significant attention, at Rock in JapanFocusing on Japanese music artists and offering enjoyment across a wide range of genres.That would be its characteristic.

Of course, rock bands,Many idol and hip-hop artists have appeared in the past.I am doing (it).

The hottest artists of the year are guaranteed to perform, and by attending Rock in Japan you can get to know the domestic music scene—such a festival.Isn't it like a festival that's a kind of encyclopedia of the Japanese music scene?

Measures against lightning

At Rock in Japan, the second day of the inaugural 2000 festival was cut short due to a typhoon, and in 2007 the approach of thunderclouds and other weather issues also caused trouble in the past.

Also, because accidents caused by lightning strikes can occur at outdoor events, Rock in Japan has posted information on its official website about what to do when a thunderstorm advisory is issued.

It’s very important information for ensuring personal safety.

Also, if a thunderstorm approaches during the event, lightning rods will be installed at the venue.

As participants, it's very reassuring to see such important considerations taken to ensure the event proceeds safely.

Response during thunderstorm advisories and protection areas when thunderclouds approach

Event Overview

Sat 9/12–Sun 9/13 ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL

rijfes.jp

ROCK IN JAPAN, organized by Rockin’ On Japan, is one of Japan’s premier summer festivals alongside Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock. Since 2014 it has been held over four days, making it one of the largest events in the country. With an exceptionally impressive lineup every year, attending Rockin’ might be the perfect way to catch all the most popular Japanese bands.

Sat 9/19 – Mon 9/21 ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL

In conclusion

Did this make you want to attend ROCK IN JAPAN, one of Japan’s quintessential summer music festivals?

I think there are many attractions that are unique to an event of this scale.

Also, since the lineup is limited to Japanese artists, this is an event I’d especially recommend to fans of Japanese music.

If you’re a domestic summer festival fan, this is a must-see event you should attend at least once!