Fuji Rock" is a major event that is indispensable when talking about summer. This year's slogan is "FUJI ROCK: Super Comfortable! FUJI ROCK" was the slogan for this year's festival, and not only did it feature a lineup of spectacular acts from Japan and abroad, but the ban on vocal performances was finally lifted, making it a festival where people could literally open up their bodies and minds. And to symbolize the revival of "Fuji Rock," THE PALACE OF WONDER (hereinafter referred to as "Palace"), which was set up in front of the entrance gate, made a comeback for the first time in four years. Starting with the end of the headliner's performance, this unique area kept the music going until morning. Here is a report on the first day of the feast in Naeba, which is said to have captivated even the most ardent "Fuji Rock" fans.
The long-awaited and always popular Fuji Rock.
Fuji Rock Festival '23 ("Fuji Rock"), a summer seasonal event for music lovers, was held from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30.
This year's "Fuji Rock" drew 114,000 people over the four days of the festival, including the eve of the festival, far exceeding last year's attendance. Looking back, last year, some restrictions due to the Corona disaster were eased, such as the ban on foreign artists coming to Japan and the serving of alcohol, but the recommendation to wear masks and the ban on speaking out were still lingering. This year, however, all restrictions were lifted, and the excitement was so great that it deserves to be called a complete revival, and the usual Fuji Rock has finally returned!
The lineup was well-balanced and genre-less with veterans and newcomers such as Tamio Okuda, Shintaro Sakamoto, Sheep Literature, and GEZAN, and Eikichi Yazawa's first appearance was a major topic of conversation even before the event began. Not to be outdone by the domestic lineup, the lineup of international artists that attracted attention included legends such as THE STROKES and FOO FIGHTERS, as well as next-generation artists such as Louis Cole and FKJ. Many fans came from overseas, and for the first time in four years, Naeba was alive with activity.
The best part of Fuji Rock night is back with the support of G-Shock.
Even after the headliners' live shows are over, "Fuji Rock" still does not sleep. The best example of this is THE PALACE OF WONDER (hereinafter referred to as "the Palace"). This area is a playground for adults where numerous DJs and bands perform and keep the excitement of "Fuji Rock" going until morning. Moreover, it is located in front of the entrance gate, so it has the nostalgic charm of being entrance-free, with no tickets required.
The "Palace" is not a large area in itself, so it's nice to have multiple content areas all packed together, and to be able to enjoy them almost without having to move.
ROOKIE A GO-GO," which has been a "gateway to success for new bands" and has discovered the likes of King Gnu, Odotte Dotte Dotte Kunitachi, cero, and CHAI, also had a stage here, and 15 up-and-coming artists appeared this year as well. One of these artists is guaranteed to perform on one of the main stages of the following year's "Fuji Rock," so even though it was late at night, many audience members came to the front of the stage to catch a glimpse of the future stars.
Among the unique spaces, the most eye-catching is the CRYSTAL PALACE TENT, called the most beautiful mobile tent in the world. Inside, DJs and live performances are held, and sometimes artists from the daytime stage jump in and surprise the crowd. There is also a bar, so you will never run out of alcohol. The comfort of getting intoxicated in a different space with a drink in one hand and music in the other is an extraordinary experience in itself.
SAKURA CIRCUS is a circus troupe that performs three late-night shows, and their performance using a giant wheel in the air that intersects two circles is exciting and thrilling to watch.
The SAKURA CIRCUS performance, a popular show that has been running since 2010, will have your hands sweating with its human-like aerial feats, while the art objects and playground equipment made from scrap wood will provide a spot to take a short break or meet up with friends. This entertainment value, not found in other areas, is one of the reasons why Fuji Rock attracts so many enthusiastic fans.
The Palace, which sets itself apart from other areas, is so popular that some people look forward to it as their favorite part of Fuji Rock, but it was actually downsized due to the Corona disaster, and its survival was in doubt this year as well. However, the Palace was actually downsized due to the Corona disaster and was in danger of not surviving this year. G-Shock, a company that has many fans of the Palace, came forward and supported the revival of the Palace as an official partner.
Before the event, we teamed up with Mr. Kunichi Nomura, who loves "Palace,Campaign to raffle off T-shirts not for sale in collaboration with HYSTERIC GLAMOUR, UNDERCOVER, and Wasted YouthThe Palace became a topic of conversation when it held its first "Palace" event. The efforts of these big names clearly show how indispensable the "Palace" is to the Naeba area.
A giant objet d'art of the DW-5600 sits at the entrance to welcome visitors.
The "G-Shock" face frame panel is a large collection of icons drawn with a loose touch. Among them is Kikuo Ibe (the man in the rightmost pair of glasses), the developer of the "g-shock" brand.
One of the highlights of the event was the playful spirit of "g-shock" that decorated the area, including a giant objet d'art of the DW-5600, a classic g-shock model, and a photo booth with a face frame panel drawn by Shuntaro Takeuchi.
And at "VEGAS in MILK," where guests could enjoy drinks and a casino while listening to performances by DJs, rapper MonyHouse made a secret appearance late on the 28th under the title of the "G-Shock" stage! The excitement of the audience was quickly turned up with his performance of "End of Summer" and other songs. The crowd went wild as he performed "The End of Summer" and other songs. As he said in his MC speech, "You can ignore my work e-mails, I'll take responsibility for them.
Adults playing around at the Palace.
We caught up with some of the people who are enjoying the "Palace" to the fullest. From regulars to first-timers, smiles never cease to appear on their faces.
Seiya was stylishly dressed in a football shirt. He says he used to look forward to the "Palace" every year, but has missed it for the past three years since it was not held. He plans to dance until morning at the "Palace" for the first time in a long time.
Mikko and Mimi, who were looking forward to seeing THE STROKES on stage, also said that "Palace" is their favorite area that they always visit. Mikko-san and Mimi-san, who were looking forward to seeing THE STROKES perform, also said that they always visit their favorite area of the Palace. They also seemed to be having a good time.
Two couples, TOKU and HACHI, and Takayuki and Sayuri Kanai, came from Gunma for "Palace". It was the first time for all of them to attend "Fuji Rock" itself, and they enjoyed the chaos of "Palace" including the circus and drinks.
Music, booze, circus, casino. The "Palace" is full of exciting things. But more than that, I feel that the greatest appeal of this area is its location in Naeba, where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can have fun together and naturally strike up conversations with strangers in such a peaceful and unusual space. I believe that the complete revival of Fuji Rock would not be possible without the Palace. And a big round of applause to "G-Shock," which helped make the "Palace" possible!
Photo_Yuya Wada
Text_Shogo Komatsu
