It's a promoter's nightmare: an event which must be held in one of the most remote parts of the country, where the centerpiece occurs on a weekday morning, with no chance of rescheduling. Then again, when you're talking about the longest total solar eclipse of the century, certain concessions must be made.
Japan will enjoy the best views in the world of the July 22 eclipse, though you'll have to trek down to the small islands between Kyushu and Okinawa to experience the full spectacle. The far-flung location has created all kinds of logistic issues for tour and event organizers, which might explain the limited options on offer for those who were hoping to spend the day partying like it was the end of the world.
The Amami Total Solar Eclipse Festival is the only major festival being held. It's headlined by deeply unfashionable ethno-dance outfit Deep Forest, who will be joined by Italian trance duo Etnica and British ambient techno act System 7. Many of the doyens of the Tokyo club scene are also making the trip, including techno stars Takkyu Ishino and Ken Ishii, with live music coming from jam bands Dachambo, The SunPaulo and Soft. Don't miss septuagenarian folk singer Ikue Asazaki, herself a native of the Amami islands.