Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster set to perform on the main stage at Fuji Rock Festival, marking their first time headlining the renowned event.
In an exciting turn of events, Taiwan's music scene is about to make a significant impact on the international stage as four Japanese bands are set to perform at the upcoming Rock in Taichung festival in October, with the collaboration being a part of a larger initiative to resume international connections post-COVID, which was first initiated in 2022.
This cross-cultural collaboration between Rock in Taichung and Fuji Rock marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between Taiwanese and Japanese artists. Taiwanese bands have a notable history of performing at Japan's Fuji Rock Festival, with prominent acts such as Chthonic, Tizzy Bac, Go Chic, Manic Sheep, and Suming (舒米恩) gracing the festival's stages over the years.
One of the most significant milestones in this relationship was reached in 2025 when Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster became the first Taiwanese band to perform at Fuji Rock, marking a significant step forward for Taiwan's music scene at this prestigious festival. This year, Sunset Rollercoaster will return to Fuji Rock, this time as one of Asia's most popular bands, embodying the resurgent genre of city pop. Their performance will mark one of the event's most high-profile appearances ever by a Taiwanese band.
The collaboration between the two festivals will also involve exchanging bands on their rookie stages. Taiwan's band Shinrakudo will perform at Fuji Rock's Rookie A-Go-Go stage next week, while Fuji Rock's smaller stage will cooperate with the Taiwanese festival Rock in Taichung, including a performance by Taichung group Shinrakudo.
Established in 1997, Fuji Rock Festival is Japan’s largest outdoor music event and attracts a wide array of Japanese and international artists. The festival is held in a ski resort more than two hours by bullet train from Tokyo and will host more than 200 performances on at least a dozen stages this year. Top international acts such as Vulfpeck, Vampire Weekend, and Fred Again will also perform at the festival.
Fuji Rock's third largest overseas market in 2021 was Taiwan, behind China and the US. A decade ago, they were the festival's top overseas market, sending around 500 fans annually. This growing interest in Fuji Rock among Taiwanese fans is a testament to the vibrant indie and rock music culture in Taiwan, which is now finding a place on this international stage.
The collaboration between Rock in Taichung and Fuji Rock was finalised by Taiwan's Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin during a visit to Fuji Rock in 2023. Nuno Chen, the founder of Taichung's first live house, organised Rock in Taichung and initiated the collaboration with Fuji Rock. The choice of Rock in Taichung as the partner event was due to its large annual attendance and city sponsorship, offering greater exposure for visiting Japanese bands.
As Japan's oldest and most prestigious rock festival, Fuji Rock begins next week, set to host 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per day from July 25 to 27. Over the years, Fuji Rock has hosted the world's most famous acts, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, the Chemical Brothers, and Kendrick Lamar. This year's festival promises to be another unforgettable event, with the addition of Taiwanese bands adding a unique flavour to the diverse lineup.
[1] Source: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4530614 [5] Source: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4530614
Upon the announcement of the upcoming Rock in Taichung festival, the lineup will not only feature prominent Japanese bands but also expand to include a taste of Taiwan's music scene. The collaboration between these festivals promises an exciting fusion of music, introducing Taiwanese acts to the international stage.
As Fuji Rock Festival, known for its diverse roster of artists, prepares for its annual event in July, attendees can look forward to not only world-renowned acts but also the addition of Taiwanese bands, bringing a unique twist to the five-day celebration of entertainment, music, and sports.
