InsideJapan News Network

Music fans heading to Japan this summer may be glad to learn that the Fuji Rock Festival is due to go ahead as normal, with major international acts reassured that it is safe to perform in the earthquake-stricken country.

Following the March 11th quake and consequent tsunami, various music events had to be called off, including the Kabuto Metal Festival and Punkspring music festival, CNN reports.

Furthermore, a large number of musicians pulled out of Japan's biggest classical music concert, La Folle Jouree au Japon.

However, the organisers of Fuji Rock say that they have managed to convince all their major international acts to honour their commitment to play at the festival, which runs from July 29th to 31st.

Masahiro Hidaka, the festival's organiser, said: "[It will be] the first major gathering and a time for release of all the terrible times and tension that has been winding up inside."

This summer's Fuji Rock Festival will feature headline performances from Coldplay, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Wilco and Buddy Guy, as well as sets from British band Arctic Monkeys and US rockers Incubus.

Written by Kimberley Homer


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