The 2026 lineup for FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL promises to be a watershed moment for Japanese music on the world stage. From the triumphant return of punk icons Hi-STANDARD to the meteoric global ascent of Fujii Kaze and the boundary-pushing production of XG, this year’s roster represents a diverse tapestry of talent. As you curate your festival schedule, these five acts are essential viewing—each offering a unique perspective on Japan’s vibrant and evolving cultural influence.
Hi-STANDARD
Friday, July 24 — GREEN STAGE
After a 27-year hiatus from the Naeba stage, Japanese punk legends Hi-STANDARD are back. Since their formation in 1991 and their subsequent rise through the ranks of the 90s global punk scene via Fat Wreck Chords, the band has remained an untouchable institution. Their seminal 1999 record, Making the Road, remains a masterclass in melodic hardcore. Witnessing their signature, high-energy singalongs is a rare opportunity to experience the raw, authentic spirit of Japan’s DIY movement before the digital era redefined how we consume music.
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Friday, July 24 — WHITE STAGE
Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2026, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION stands as a testament to the enduring power of guitar-driven rock. With a legacy cemented by iconic contributions to global anime hits like Fullmetal Alchemist and NARUTO, the band has bridged the gap between J-rock and international listeners for decades. Their Fuji Rock performance will serve as an intimate career retrospective, showcasing the group’s evolution against the breathtaking backdrop of the Niigata mountains.
Fujii Kaze
Saturday, July 25 — GREEN STAGE
Fujii Kaze is currently the most compelling crossover success story in Japanese music. Blending neo-soul, gospel, and organic piano sensibilities, the 28-year-old virtuoso has effortlessly transcended linguistic barriers. Following his milestone 2025 album Prema—which topped the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart—and his recent Coachella debut, Kaze brings an emotional depth and artistic scale to Fuji Rock that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
XG
Saturday, July 25 — WHITE STAGE
XG is redefining the standards of modern pop. With a discography that has dominated Billboard charts and a stage presence built on precision and high-octane choreography, the group has quickly become a global phenomenon. Coming off their massive world tour, XG brings a level of polish and creative intensity that places them at the forefront of the next generation of Japanese pop music. Their performance is set to be one of the most talked-about events of the entire festival.
Susumu Hirasawa + EJIN
Sunday, July 26 — GREEN STAGE
A true outlier in electronic music, Susumu Hirasawa’s career spans five decades of genre-defying composition. Best known internationally for his haunting, masterful soundtracks for Satoshi Kon’s cinematic masterpieces and the BERSERK series, Hirasawa is a visionary performer. Returning to the festival as “Susumu Hirasawa + EJIN,” he promises an avant-garde spectacle featuring his signature laser harps and Tesla coils. This is not merely a concert; it is a sonic ritual that stands as a pillar of Japanese musical history.
FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26
July 24–26, 2026
Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa, Niigata
