Fuji Rock Festival Announces 66 Artists

- This year's festival, running from July 24 to 26, will be headlined by The xx, Khruangbin, and Massive Attack. Other notable performers in the initial lineup include singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, hardcore band Turnstile, indie-rock artist Mitski, and pop septet XG. - Despite its name, the festival has been held at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture since 1999. Its inaugural 1997 event was located at the base of Mount Fuji but was struck by a typhoon, forcing the cancellation of its second day. - As Japan's largest outdoor music event, the three-day festival typically features more than 200 Japanese and international artists. Past attendance has exceeded 100,000 people, with the main "Green Stage" having a capacity of nearly 50,000 spectators. - The festival is known for its diverse genres that go beyond rock to include pop, electronic, and hip-hop. Past headliners have included Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Lizzo, Kendrick Lamar, and Radiohead. - Organized by Smash Japan, the event aims to be the "cleanest festival in the world," with a strong emphasis on recycling and other environmental initiatives. - The sprawling, forested venue features seven main stages and other smaller ones. It is also home to the "Dragondola," the world's longest gondola lift, which offers attendees views over the festival site. - The Japanese punk band Hi-Standard is generating significant buzz online, as their 2026 performance will be their first at Fuji Rock since 1999.