Interviews with Visitors at Fuji Rock Festival ’24: What Brought You Here?

“Why did you choose to attend Fuji Rock?” – A Look at Visitor Perspectives at Fuji Rock Festival ’24

In our exploratory project, “Why did YOU go to Fuji Rock?” we delved into the allure of Asia’s most extensive outdoor music gathering, the Fuji Rock Festival, by engaging with foreign visitors through interviews at Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, from July 26 to July 28, 2024.

This year’s “Fuji Rock Festival ’24” boasted renowned acts like The Killers, Kraftwerk, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, and over 200 artists from Japan and abroad. A whopping 96,000 attendees flocked to the festival over its four-day duration. Notably, the inbound visitor count in 2024 matched the previous year at 10% of the total turnout, as reported by the organizers.

Within this article, we shine a spotlight on the enchantment of “Fuji Rock” as perceived by 15 groups of international music enthusiasts.

■ Andy from Sweden embraces a deep-rooted affection for Fuji Rock. A loyal attendee for 19 years running, Andy shared, “It’s natural for me to come here every year.” Hailing from Sweden, he transitioned to Japan, having initially journeyed to the country for festivals like Rising Sun Rock Festival before settling in. Fondly recalling his first Fuji Rock experience in 2005, Andy reminisced about the stellar performances by Primal Scream, hinting at his eagerness to catch The Jesus and Mary Chain this year. Drawing from past memories, he advocated for the revival of the late-night rave “All Night Fuji” and yearned to see Takkyu Ishino, Sugiurumn, and possibly Depeche Mode grace the stages.

■ Lina from Bulgaria and Bill from the USA, a pair residing in Tokyo, embarked on their second and fourth Fuji Rock outings, respectively. Bill, reminiscing about his pre-COVID visits since 2018, lauded the eclectic venues, nourishing food, and convivial ambiance of Fuji Rock. Lina, agreeing, accentuated the event-like atmosphere distinguishing Fuji Rock from conventional concerts. Both vouched for the revival of past attractions like the magical performances and intimate stages that lent Fuji Rock its unique charm.

■ Yijin and Kelly from Taiwan embarked on their maiden Fuji Rock journey attributing their presence to the festival’s global reputation. Expressing satisfaction with the relaxed ambiance and quality food, they narrated their smooth transit from Taipei to Yuzawa via the Shinkansen. Sharing excitement for toe and Yussef Dayes’ performances, they also harbored aspirations for future festival experiences in Kyoto.

■ Ivy Cao and Gao Yuanyi from China ventured to Fuji Rock for the second time, spotlighting the festival’s international acclaim and the ensuing support among Chinese music aficionados. Ivy elaborated on a prominent group of 1,500 Fuji Rock devotees within a Chinese social media WeChat room, heralding the festival’s universal appeal. Citing unique qualities differentiating Fuji Rock from local Chinese festivals, Ivy contemplated the prospect of revisiting future editions alongside broader artistic escapades.

In essence, the various narratives underscore the eclectic spectrum of experiences bundled within the Fuji Rock Festival, magnetizing multitudes from distant corners of the globe. As attendees traverse the lush landscapes and harmonize with resonant beats, Fuji Rock stands tall as an enduring emblem of music, camaraderie, and boundless cultural synergy.