Event organizer Smash announced Friday morning that a trio of American artists will headline the 2023 edition of Fuji Rock, Japan’s premier summer music festival for showcasing international acts.
Rock bands Foo Fighters and The Strokes bookend the three-day gathering, set to run from July 28 to 30 at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. The Saturday headline spot goes to pop star Lizzo, a Billboard Hot 100-topping performer who will make her Fuji Rock debut on the main Green Stage.
Festival organizers also announced a host of other acts primed to play the marquee event. They include rock band Weezer, singer Alanis Morissette, indie-rock stalwarts Yo La Tengo and rapper Denzel Curry. More performers will be revealed in the coming months.
The lineup was announced via a digital billboard in Tokyo's Shibuya district. So far, only non-Japanese names have been released, underlining the event’s return to showcasing performers from abroad after several years of being unable to do so due to pandemic-era restrictions.
According to the official festival website, the theme for this year’s event is “Feel Great at Fuji Rock.” A message from the festival organizing committee reads, “We’ll be accelerating our efforts in 2023, putting the ‘matsuri’ back in the festival to make it the Fuji Rock we all love once again.”
Tickets are now on sale. This year, Smash has also introduced “Fuji Rock Plus,” a premium service that allows those who pay for it to get around the festival grounds via shuttle bus, have access to special lines for food and watch sets from exclusive viewing areas.
First held in 1997, Fuji Rock is one of the longest-running and most anticipated annual music events in the country.
Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now. For more information, visit en.fujirockfestival.com.