Unearth some gems at the Rookie a Go-Go stage

Folks may come for the massive headliners, but there are plenty of rising stars to be seen at Fuji Rock as well!

Big names and mega-popular performers are the big thing that draws people to festivals like this. Think rock legends on the Green Stage playing to thousands of adoring fans… long established bands and those who may have recently already broken big. With the festival bringing overseas acts in again, this year is a return to form in this sense, with more huge names to be announced. But don’t forget that each year Fuji Rock also showcases rising and relatively undiscovered new talent at the battle-of-the-bands style Rookie a Go-Go stage.

The cream of the crop from a huge application pool, some of Japan’s best fresh artists will be performing throughout the weekend, and the audience is encouraged voice their opinion by voting for their favorite. Not only does claiming the winning title give the band a sizable amount of street cred, it also offers them the opportunity to perform at next year’s fest on a big stage. Many fantastic and currently quite popular bands got their break this way, now huge artists like King Gnu, Chai, Suchmos and Tempalay. 

Think you’ve got what it takes to get the votes and make it up to the big leagues next year? Applications are still being accepted here. The process is all in Japanese, but don’t let a little hurdle like language get in the way of your date with destiny! And for everyone else, don’t miss your chance to see something new and unexpected at the Rookie a Go-Go stage all festival weekend long, and maybe just maybe you’ll be able to bag the bragging rights to say you were into the winning band before they got big.