Interviews with Fuji Rock attendees: What brought you here?
“Fuji Rock Festival ’24” was a massive event that drew in around 96,000 people over four days, with 10% of them being inbound visitors, the same as the previous year. The festival featured headliners like The Killers, Kraftwerk, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, among others. We took to Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, to interview overseas visitors and get a sense of what drew them to the festival.
Kaylee and Ange, two 21-year-old classmates from Australia, stumbled upon Fuji Rock while planning their trip to Japan. Exposed through social media and artists they admired, they were excited to see acts like “girl in red” and Angie McMahon. Kaylee appreciated the quality of music and beverages at the festival, while Ange found the spaciousness and polite crowds to be a refreshing change from festivals back home. They were taken by the overall atmosphere and hospitality of Japanese attendees.
Reny and Andrew traveled from China to experience the grandeur of Fuji Rock, citing it as one of the most prominent festivals in Asia. Reny especially enjoyed the diverse food options and the communal dancing at the smaller stages. Andrew compared the festival to those in China, highlighting the variety of activities and the efficient management of facilities at Fuji Rock.
Jason and Mango joined in from Chengdu, China, attracted by the festival’s international flair. Along with an affinity for Japanese culture, they had their sights set on artists like GLASS BEAMS and KRAFTWERK. Jason particularly valued the friendliness of the people at Fuji Rock, finding a stark contrast to the hecticness of life in China. Sharing a lighthearted exchange with a local, they felt welcomed and embraced the festival’s inclusive vibe.
Emma and her schoolmates from Shanghai appreciated the diverse lineup at Fuji Rock, from acts like Peggy Gou to The Killers. Engaging with nature and partaking in social activities set the festival apart from their experiences back home. Emma found the journey to the mountains relatively easy and embraced the physical challenge with confidence.
Devon, Eugene, and Philippa from the USA were seasoned festival-goers who found Fuji Rock to be a standout event due to its cleanliness, diverse music offerings, and family-friendly atmosphere. Impressed by the variety of food and the mixture of attendees, they felt a strong sense of camaraderie and connection in the festival grounds.
As we conversed with visitors from diverse backgrounds, it was evident that the magnetic pull of Fuji Rock extended far beyond just music. The festival’s unique blend of culture, hospitality, and entertainment captured the hearts of attendees from around the globe, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who made the journey to Naeba Ski Resort.