January Music Festivals [2025–2026]: A roundup of New Year’s music events, including winter festivals and outdoor live shows

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

In this article, I’ll be introducing music festivals taking place in January! You might not associate the dead of winter with music festivals, but surprisingly, music events are held across the country.

There may not be many, but there are annual staples as well as new, buzzworthy events you won’t want to miss.

As you read, find the perfect event to kick off your year with your first music festival of the season.

January

Music Lane Festival OkinawaFri 1/30 – Sun 2/1, Okinawa Prefecture

A showcase festival that brings together up-and-coming artists active in Japan and abroad. Festival and music industry professionals are invited to discover new talent. In Japan, one of the earliest and most notable organizers is the Music Lane Festival Okinawa. Because it receives many participation offers from overseas, this format is more common outside Japan, and it’s an exciting event where general audiences can encounter artists who may soon break through.

Schedule	Fri, Jan 30, 2026 – Sun, Feb 1, 2026
place	Music Town Otoichiba 3F Hall, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture / Music Town Otoichiba 1F Music Plaza / Remy’s
Website	https://musiclaneokinawa.com/archives/53598
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LisAni! LIVESat, Jan 31 – Sun, Feb 1, Tokyo

This festival, held in tandem since its launch in 2010, is constantly pursuing new styles and getting more powerful every year. From major names in the anisong scene to fresh faces, it’s sure to offer something to enjoy across a wide range of genres!

Schedule	Sat, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 1, 2026
place	Nippon Budokan, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Website	https://www.lisani.jp/live/
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Dera Rock FestivalSat, Jan 31 – Sun, Feb 1, Aichi Prefecture

derarockfes.radcreation.jp

The large-scale circuit festival “GRAND LINE,” organized by RAD CREATION and held in Nagoya since 2011, has changed its name and expanded to two days. The venues are live houses in the Sakae and Shinsakae areas. While the lineup is centered on younger artists, veteran acts are also featured, giving it a broad and well-rounded feel.

Schedule	Sat, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 1, 2026
place	Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City DIAMOND HALL / SPADE BOX / HeartLand / Live & Lounge Vio / ROCK’N’ROLL / RAD SEVEN / RADmini / Live & Lounge Vio / RAD / Party’z / TIGHT ROPE / CIRCUS / NAGOYA CLUB QUATTRO / ReNY Limited / HOLIDAY NEXT NAGOYA / Nagoya School of Music & Dance / RAD HALL / TOYS
Website	http://derarockfes.radcreation.jp/
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