List of indie festivals across Japan [2025]

This is a circuit event organized by Shikachan, an event promoter active in Fukushima Prefecture. Shikachan is reportedly a staff member of TONEFOLK, a music information site based in the Tohoku region. Although it’s a small-scale circuit event held across two venues, the lineup mainly features up-and-coming bands on the verge of breaking through, making it an event you won’t want to miss.

A circuit-style event held in the Shimokitazawa area—home to restaurants, vintage clothing stores, record shops, and live houses, and a hub for diverse culture—Shimokitazawa Nite. The organizers are the band THE Love Ningen. The event is held with the theme of creating new connections through music. With a stamp rally and performances by elementary and junior high school bands, it’s an event that can be enjoyed not only by adults but also by children.

Rennon Sound Carnival is a circuit-style event held throughout Kichijoji. Over 30 artists will perform live across six venues set up in Kichijoji. Since it’s a circuit event, attendees move between venues to catch their favorite acts, but one of the charms of this format is stumbling into a venue on a whim and unexpectedly falling in love with a new, unknown artist’s live performance.

A festival hosted by the three-piece melodic punk band SECRET 7 LINE will be held. In 2016, there was a great sorrow for them and for us fans, but seeing them overcome it and continue to perform is truly moving. Live-show kids, be sure to check it out.

This music festival was created to provide a venue for young people engaged in musical activities in Sagamihara City. With the city’s support, the participating bands themselves handle planning and operations. It takes place over two days: a festival stage purely for enjoying music, and a contest stage where skills are put to the test. The contest stage promises to be a hotly contested battleground where bands compete with passion and technique for the top prize. Thinking that a band could debut on the national stage from here makes it impossible to take your eyes off the ones you’ll want to support.