A must-see for students! Recommended music festivals for winter break

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• Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefKeisuke Hane
  Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.

Porn Super Express | Kyoto Prefecture

https://www

facebook.

com/rottenexpress

When it comes to winter festivals held in Kyoto, Pornograffitti’s Super Express is the one that comes to mind.

A large-scale festival hosted by ROTTENGRAFFTY, a rock band from Kyoto.

At this event, held every year during the Christmas season, live performances take place one after another on two stages: the main Kinkaku Stage and the slightly smaller Ginkaku Stage.

In addition to rock bands that are energizing festivals across the country, the lineup—characteristic of a Rotten-hosted event—also features must-appear V-kei bands and hip-hop artists, which adds to its appeal.

It's within walking distance from the nearest station, so this event is especially recommended for students in the Kansai area.

MERRY ROCK PARADE | Aichi Prefecture

http://www

merryrockparade.

jp/

Merry Rock, which takes place in Nagoya.

As the name suggests, it’s a rock festival held at Christmas.

It's irresistible for J-rock fans, with a lineup packed with hot, up-and-coming bands.

In addition to being held during the winter break, this lineup also makes it a festival I recommend to all students.

It only takes about 30 minutes by train from Nagoya Station to reach the venue, so it’s a festival I can recommend even to high school students who find it difficult to travel by car!

RADIO CRAZY | Osaka Prefecture

https://radiocrazy

fm/

When it comes to major year-end rock festivals in the Kansai region, it has to be RADIO CRAZY, known as “ReddyKure.”

Under the catchphrase 'The Grand Year-End Rock Party,' rock fans from all over Japan gather at Intex Osaka.

RADICRE is an event by the radio station FM802, featuring numerous popular artists every year.

Sometimes major artists who don’t usually perform at festivals take the stage, making it one of those events you just can’t miss.

A special music festival held on dates with the unique atmosphere of year’s end.

COUNTDOWN JAPAN | Chiba Prefecture

http://countdownjapan

jp/

The last big festival of the year, well-known to everyone: Countdown Japan, aka CDJ.

If you like rock bands, wouldn’t you want to take part at least once?

Held every year at the end of December, this is the top contender among year-end rock festivals, where you can even enjoy the live show at the very moment of the New Year countdown.

Organized by Rockin’ On, the company behind Rock in Japan—one of Japan’s three major summer festivals—the lineup is stellar, and the official merchandise and food booths are also extensive.

GT | Tokyo Metropolis

http://gt

livemasters.

jp/

When it comes to rock festivals where you can do a countdown, CDJ has a strong image, but GT doesn’t lose out either!

A countdown festival held at Zepp DiverCity.

On top of being extremely accessible, the lineup features everything from popular bands that continue to lead the scene to up-and-coming bands that will shape its future—aren’t they all likely to be your favorites, students?

There is a restriction requiring those under 18 to be accompanied by a guardian, so it is especially recommended for university students.

TIP × @JAM New Year Premium Party | Tokyo

http://www

newyearpp.

jp/2018/

It’s a New Year idol festival organized by TOKYO IDOL PROJECT, which hosts TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL, one of Japan’s largest idol events.

If you’re an idol fan, isn’t it safe to say that your first event of the new year is set with this one?!

Since it takes place at the beginning of the year, this event is recommended not only for students but also for working adults on their winter holidays.

Let’s get fired up with a hot live performance by popular idols—perfect for the cold season!

THICK FESTIVAL | Kanagawa Prefecture

http://secret7line

com/

It’s “Shikufes,” the festival hosted by the three-piece rock band SECRET 7 LINE.

It’s a cherished event filled with their heartfelt feelings, one that continues today after overcoming various hardships.

The last weekend of winter break is set with this event!

With such a hot lineup, this is an unmissable event for rock fans—especially those who love melodic hardcore.

With a capacity of 1,300, the venue CLUB CITTA’ isn’t a large-scale festival, but as the first event of the new year, it’s a highly recommended two-day fest where you can fully enjoy rock bands.

Lastly

This time, we introduced music festivals recommended for the winter holidays.

Although the major festivals are the focus, all of them are festivals that students can attend by making use of their winter vacation.

Some of them are held during the New Year holidays, so there were likely events that even working adults—who usually have to work on weekends—could join.

Winter break tends to get busy since it spans the New Year holidays, but how about enjoying a music festival?