When Fuji Rock Festival started in late 1990s, the principal attractions were invariably imported. Although the event also featured plenty of Japanese bands, even in the early years, it was Westerners that exerted the biggest draw — from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters to Bjork, Aphex Twin and The Prodigy.
Two decades on, Fuji Rock isn't quite the bastion of international music it once was. Slowly but inevitably, the lineup has gone domestic; this year marks the first time that half of the groups playing on the main Green Stage won't be flying in for the occasion.
Despite a proliferation of festivals in Japan, Fuji Rock remains one of the only ones to book overseas artists, and some fear that by leaning more on home-grown acts, it's giving up its main selling point. But you won't find a more diverse selection of Japanese music at any other event this summer. Here are a few of the acts to catch.