Event period	Friday, August 20th, Saturday, August 21st, Sunday, August 22nd, 2021
Venue	Niigata Pref. Naeba Ski Resort , Niigata Prefecture
Live Report	FUJIROCK EXPRESS'21

This year, the festival was held for the first time in two years, with the motto "KEEP ON FUJI ROCKIN'." Despite the COVID-19 infection prevention measures in place, such as wearing masks, banning cheering, and even a ban on alcohol, a monumental stage performance of a "special FUJI ROCK" was held.

Finally making a full comeback, Denki Groove were entrusted with the role of headliner on the final day. This was the first time the duo had appeared together at FUJI ROCK since 2016, when they closed the GREEN STAGE. Amidst a celebratory mood that seemed to echo the audience's heartfelt cries of "Welcome back!", they responded brilliantly with a set that began with their first single in two and a half years, "Set you Free," and ended with "Fujisan." In contrast, the headliners for the first and second days were RADWIMPS and King Gnu, bands now carrying the Japanese music scene. RADWIMPS, making their first appearance on the GREEN STAGE in four years in 2017, performed "Zenzenzense," "Sparkle," and "Utakata Uta," featuring Suda Masaki. RADWIMPS's current, dynamic trajectory continues to grow, as they performed their new song "SUMMER DAZE," which they revealed during the MC was written specifically for this moment on this stage. Meanwhile, King Gnu appeared at ROOKIE A ​​GO ROOKIE A GO-GO in 2017, three months after starting their activities as "King Gnu" after departing from their previous band. The following year, they performed at RED MARQUEE, and this year, they appeared as a headliner. On a spectacular stage lined with numerous pillars of fire, they dominated the audience with their opening "Hikobitate," before captivating with killer tunes like "Senryo Yakusha," "Hakujitsu," and "Sanmon Shosetsu." At the end of the encore, they performed "Summer Rain Diver," the song they also performed last at ROOKIE A GO-GO, demonstrating their headlining prowess.

The Pre-Party, which is usually held the day before the event, was cancelled this year, and only the Campsite and hospitality area were opened as a pre-opening, with surprise fireworks being launched in the evening.

Day 1

The first day finally began, with OKAMOTO'S taking the lead on the GREEN STAGE. This was their first time performing as a band in 10 years, and they delivered a dignified, sultry rock 'n' roll performance under clear skies, signaling the start of the rock festival. Dresscodes' Shima Ryohei, who opened the WHITE STAGE, also exuded the sexiness and generosity of a rock star, coincidentally appearing at FUJI ROCK for the first time since his performance with the Furry Marys in 2011. DYGL, meanwhile, delivered the modern guitar rock of their worldwide band, expressing their feelings about the event being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic and requesting that people take precautions against infection, a vivid expression of their way of life that left a lasting impression.

This year, the number of stages was reduced compared to previous years, and the food and beverage areas were expanded, but a total of approximately 140 ARTISTS performed on the four main stages— GREEN STAGE, WHITE STAGE, RED MARQUEE, and FIELD OF HEAVEN—as well as Gypsy Avalon, ROOKIE A GO-GO, DAY DREAMING, PYRAMID GARDEN, and Naeba Shokudo . In recent years, FUJI ROCK FIELD OF HEAVEN been noted for its free-spirited bookings that aren't bound by the musical genre of "rock." After "Spinoff Yoninbayashi feat. Nemoto Kaname & Nishiyama Tsuyoshi," a Lineup that could be described as typical of FUJI ROCK , Teshima Aoi appeared on stage, completely changing the atmosphere. She delivered stunning vocal performances of "Teru's Song" and "Letter to Tomorrow." The current flourishing of the Japanese hip-hop scene was on full display, starting with 5lack, who performed with PUNPEE on the WHITE STAGE , followed by KID FRESINO, and then ARTISTS from SUMMIT gathered at the RED MARQUEE . One of the highlights was seeing the audience with their hands up as these charismatic figures took to the stage.

FUJI ROCK regulars Quruli delivered a stoic performance of "HOW TO GO," "Flower Water Gun," "Amber City, Shanghai Crab Morning," and "Rose Flower." While a rock band with a long list of followers, their performance also offered a glimpse into their journey of absorbing a wide variety of music. Incidentally, a sudden rain shower hit the Quruli concert, and seeing people quickly donning rain gear likely reminded many of them that they were in Naeba. As the first day drew to a close, METAFIVE appeared on the WHITE STAGE. Specially arranged for FUJI ROCK FESIVAL '21, they performed a rare live show featuring Yoshinori Sunahara and LEO Imai, with support from Seiichi Nagai (gr.) and Kenichi Shirane (drums). The highly polished performance garnered rave reviews. Millennium Parade then closed the WHITE STAGE WHITE STAGE, creating a show that, fitting for peak performance time, featured elaborate visual effects. Projection mapping was used on a five-meter-long demon balloon, transforming the band into Belle, the film's protagonist, for "U," the main theme from "The Dragon and the Freckled Princess." King Gnu's Iguchi also appeared to sing "Fireworks and Flying Sparks" and "FAMILIA," showcasing their mettle as a next-generation collective. Also at FIELD OF HEAVEN that night, Tempalay, who has steadily risen to the top of FUJI ROCK with ROOKIE A GO-GO in 2015, Naeba Shokudo in 2017, and RED MARQUEE in 2019, delivered a psychedelic pop performance. Shintaro Sakamoto, returning to FUJI ROCK for the first time in 13 years since his appearance with Yura Yura Teikoku in 2008, delivered a stunning performance that evoked the height of psychedelia with his unassuming performance and unique sound.

Day 2

On Day 2, Sambomaster wrote a new chapter in FUJI ROCK history with a performance that could only be described as passionate. During "The World Calls It Love," the entire audience was surely shouting "Love and Peace!" in their hearts, just as vocalist and guitarist Takashi Yamaguchi had requested. Those watching the livestream on YouTube were no doubt also unable to help themselves. Heavy rain hit midway through the show, but the excitement only grew. For their final song, "Bouquet," logos for SUMMER SONIC, RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL, ARABAKI ROCK FEST., and Kishidan Banpaku were projected onto the giant screen on the GREEN STAGE, creating a tribute to music festivals that continue to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After this, a string of punk rock heroes took to the GREEN STAGE . Cro-Magnons vocalist Hiroto Komoto greeted the crowd with a smile, saying, "I can hear the loud voices (in your hearts)," and, "I'm allowed to speak, so I'm going to speak." Ken Yokoyama, who was suddenly added to the stage, filled in as a pinch hitter, mixing old and new acts. I'll also never forget the famous words I heard that morning. KEMURI vocalist Fumio Ito's tearful plea pierced the heart amidst cries of division: "I think we should keep our right hands together and punch each other with our left hands. But we must never let go of our right hands."

FUJI ROCK is a grand stage where you can experience legendary ARTISTS . AJICO, who made their comeback this year after a 20-year hiatus, captivated everyone with the presence, voice, and guitar of UA and Benji. They also showed their commitment by performing "Black Jenny" (SHERBETS), "Sadness Johnny" (UA), and "Light Blue" (BLANKEY JET CITY). Finally, NUMBER GIRL, who reformed in February 2019, closed the WHITE STAGE. Including their famous greeting, "We are NUMBER GIRL, from Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City," they delivered a stellar performance from "Touch" to "IGGY POP FAN CLUB" (including their new song "Drainpipe"). Just before Namba Gaijin, The Birthday performed, and many audience members were surely delighted by the fearless aura of the rock stars who are synonymous with the Japanese rock scene.

Other acts included Envy, whose all-out hardcore was almost divine, and ROVO, the human-powered dance music virtuoso from Dachambo, who transformed FIELD OF HEAVEN into a rave at night, leading the audience to silently dance and finally free their minds for the first time in a long time. Other extravagant performances included Yojiro Noda (RADWIMPS) at Pyramid Garden, PKCZ®, a creative unit from LDH JAPAN, at Day Dreaming, and Musica Piccolino at Gypsy Avalon .

Day 3

The final day featured a Lineup of both ARTISTS and alternative ARTISTS . The venue was held a month later than usual, and the MC's harmonious tone shifted dramatically, with a dragonfly flying around the venue landing on the microphone. Hata Motohiro then performed a powerful, bluesy performance of "Uroko" and "Himawari no Yakusoku." Next, MISIA, clad in a sky blue outfit, took to the GREEN STAGE, kicking off with "Kimigayo" (national anthem), and then seizing the venue with her signature hit "Hi no Ataru Basho," showcasing her versatility as a nationally beloved singer.

Meanwhile, Japan's proud Level Music, THA BLUE HERB and GEZAN, took to the stage in the evening. The audience's gazes were sharp as they listened to their performance, a statement aimed at a world in turmoil. They seemed to be firmly rooted in the beat, confident in their message. FINALBY ( ) captivated audiences with their artistic performance, their stage centerpiece being the "cones" found at construction sites. Their unexpected performance, which went completely beyond their pre-determined promise of "creating a new audiovisual experience centered around device objects," was a striking artistic experience worthy of EY∃. Finally, Susumu Hirasawa + EJIN, who closed the WHITE STAGE , thrilled fans and first-timers alike with their aggressive setlist. Furthermore, the day also saw the emergence of many new generation ARTISTS , including Awesome City Club, who appeared on the GREEN STAGE , as well as STUTS, Kiiro Akiyama, TENDERE, Sora Kimijima, and Hitsuji Kagaku.

Kiyoshiro Imawano was once again one of the main stars of FUJI ROCK. The special program, "Kiyoshiro Imawano Rock'n'Roll FOREVER," featured FUJI ROCK staples ROUTE 17 Rock"n"Roll ORCHESTRA, featuring Nakaido "CHABO" Reiichi, alongside guests UA, Esetimers, Tamio Okuda, GLIM SPANKY, Hiroto Komoto, Yusuke Chiba, Char, Tokyo Tanaka/Janken Johnny, Tortoise Matsumoto, and YONCE, who sang Kiyoshiro's classic songs. Many couldn't help but wonder what Imawano would have thought and said about this unprecedented situation if he had been on stage during this extravagant performance, which was supposed to mark his 50th anniversary in 2020.

After Denki Groove left the GREEN STAGE, the show came to a dramatic close with Yoshinori Sunahara performing the final act at RED MARQUEE.

(Text by RYOKO SAKAI)