The biggest and longest-running music festival in Japan is back in 2022. This year is extra special as this is the first time since 2019 that the Fuji Rock Festival will once again feature international artists. (The 2020 event got canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 lineup featured only Japanese artists.)
With an impressive list of performers set to take the stages at Naeba Ski Resort from July 29 to 31, it can be overwhelming to pick where to start and where to go.
To help you get to know the artists and decide whom and what you might want to see, we’ve curated a list of eight acts of different genres, ranging from indie pop to heavy metal. Let’s get started!
YOASOBI
This duo is perhaps no stranger to many. Releasing their first album The Book in early 2020, viral hit-makers Yoasobi have become mainstays in countless Japanese music playlists with songs like “Racing Into The Night,” “Tracing That Dream,” “Yasashii Suisei,” and “Gunjyo.” Their colorful and story-driven tracks are made possible only by the combination of the rich vocals of singer Ikura and the emotionally-charged instrumentals from primary songwriter Ayase.
Watch a live performance of their song “Tracing That Dream” here, and catch them at their Fuji Rock debut on Day 1, Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Green Stage.
Bloodywood
If there is one thing anyone should know about Fuji Rock, it is the fact that it always has a diverse line-up to offer to fans of any genre. Metal fans won’t be left out. Meet Bloodywood, hailing from New Delhi, India.
This band fuses aggressive heavy metal instrumentals with the sounds of their native instruments, such as flutes and the dhol, resulting in their distinct brand of folk metal. They create a unique blend of singing, rapping, and growling vocals, topped off with positive and empowering lyrics that match the band’s fervent support for social causes and charities.
Watch the music video for their song “Aaj” here, and headbang along with them on Day 2, Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Green Stage.
The HU
While we’re on the topic of folk metal, let’s talk about The HU. Who? The HU are a Mongolian band originating from Ulaanbaatar and known for their fusion of Mongolian folk music, rock, and heavy metal. They utilize instruments such as the tovshuur, the tsuur, and the morin khuur, as well as use Tuvan throat singing for their vocals, resulting in their unique form of music which the band brands as “hunnu rock.”
The group recently had the opportunity to perform at Coachella. Watch their music video for “This is Mongol” here, and catch them at Fuji Rock on Day 1, Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Green Stage.
Elephant Gym
A fan of melodic, intense, and tasteful instrumentals? Then you definitely don’t want to miss out on Elephant Gym. This math rock trio hailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, are known for their songs that involve an array of guitar melodies and fantastical bass lines, complemented by intricate and complex drum patterns, resulting in music that is exhilarating from start to finish. Whether you want to headbang or just simply chill and vibe along, an Elephant Gym set is for you.
Watch a live performance of their songs “FINGER” and “Midway” here in preparation for their Fuji Rock performance on Day 3, Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Red Marquee.
Fire EX.
Punk rock, despite having evolved in sound over the years, has always been a genre filled with bands baring their hearts to voice out beliefs, concerns, and stances, and Fire EX. is no different. Another band from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, this quartet is known for music that aims to raise social and political awareness, especially with regards to their country.
Watch here for their music video, “Kibou no Ashita,” a song that celebrates the strong relations between Taiwan and Japan, and move along to their set at Fuji Rock 2022 on Day 2, Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the White Stage.
Say Sue Me
Showcasing music that makes you feel like you’re either relaxing at the beach or driving through long country roads with friends, Say Sue Me is an indie rock band formed in Busan, South Korea. This band is pure nostalgia and peacefulness come alive with every single track they put out — perfect for anyone looking to breathe after a long day or simply to jump around without a care in the world.
Watch the music video for their song “No Real Place” here, and get ready to dance along to their set at Fuji Rock on Day 2, Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Red Marquee.
Superorganism
Originating from London, England, is Superorganism, an indie pop band with a twist and few surprises here and there. Living up to their name, the band is known for their very experimental, synth-infused music that works in synergy with random, playful, and nostalgia-inducing visuals. All these culminate in an audio-visual experience that is nothing short of fun and, well, super.
Watch the music video for their song “On & On” here, and get ready to vibe along with them on Day 3, Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the White Stage.
Masayuki Suzuki (鈴木雅之)
If you’re a fan of the hit animé series Kaguya-sama: Love is War or simply a die-hard listener of Japanese music, then you’re probably already acquainted with the man known as “Japan’s King of Love Songs.”
Active in the music scene since the mid-1970’s, Masayuki Suzuki is known for his charismatic aura as a performer and his voice that can easily captivate and move anyone to dance along to his signature catchy and groovy brand of music.
See for yourself and watch THE FIRST TAKE version of his hit song “Daddy! Daddy! Do!” featuring fellow singer Airi Suzuki here. Let him serenade you at Fuji Rock on Day 3, Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the White Stage.
And that’s it — eight artists to prepare you for Fuji Rock 2022 and to add to your playlists. This year’s line-up is a musical goldmine in my opinion, so do check out the other acts as well if you can!
See the full line-up (as of Saturday, June 18, 2022) below:
Fuji Rock Festival 2022 is happening from Friday, July 29, to Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture.
Get your tickets here.
Author: Micah Go
