For years, clubbers have flocked to destinations like Ibiza, Berlin, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. But now, Tokyo has entered the chat.
Japan’s capital city has emerged as a top destination for music fans in recent years, where nightlife, fashion, food, tech, and pop culture converge to make Tokyo an experience in itself.
That shift is now shaping a new era of locally rooted festival culture. At its center is 81 Music Festival, a new event and cultural platform designed to connect Japan with the global music community. Named after Japan’s international country code, the debut edition brings together international and local talent across electronic music, pop, and hip-hop, featuring The Kid LAROI, R3HAB, MRAK, John Martin, Vini Vici B2B Mr.Black, Night Tempo, Alan Shirahama, and more.
Leading the project is executive producer Yuuki Yoshiyama, a key figure in Japan’s events industry with experience across large-scale production, artist development, and international festival strategy, including EDC Japan, GMO SONIC, and global stages like Tomorrowland and EDC Las Vegas.
Ahead of 81 Music Festival’s debut at Toyota Arena Tokyo on June 27, EDM Maniac spoke with Yoshiyama about why now was the right time to launch the event and the vision behind building a global cultural platform from Japan.
EDM Maniac: Why was now the right time to launch 81 Music Festival?
Yoshiyama: I believe Japan is entering a new chapter in global entertainment. For many years, Japan has been one of the world’s largest music markets, but surprisingly few Japanese-born festival brands have successfully connected with a truly global audience. After producing festivals such as EDC Japan, GMO SONIC, and international projects around the world, I felt the timing was finally right to create a platform that originates from Japan and speaks directly to the world. 81 Music Festival is our answer to that opportunity.
EDM Maniac: What does “81” represent to you beyond the country code, and what identity do you want it to carry globally?
Yoshiyama: 81 is Japan’s international calling code, but for me it represents much more than that. It symbolizes a connection point between Japan and the rest of the world. It is a simple number that anyone can recognize, regardless of language, culture, or nationality. Long-term, I want 81 to become a cultural symbol that represents creativity, hospitality, innovation, and connection. When people see “81,” I want them to immediately think of Japan’s contribution to global culture.
EDM Maniac: How did you approach balancing international artists with Japanese talent for the first edition?
Yoshiyama: I never wanted the festival to feel like an imported event. International artists bring global relevance and inspiration, while Japanese artists bring authenticity and local identity. The goal was to create a dialogue between both worlds rather than separating them. The lineup was curated to showcase Japan not just as a consumer of global culture, but as a creator and exporter of culture.
EDM Maniac: What was non-negotiable when curating the lineup?
Yoshiyama: Authenticity. I wasn’t interested in booking artists simply because they were trending on social media or because they were commercially safe. Every artist had to contribute to the overall story and energy of the festival. Whether they are global headliners or emerging talent, they must be able to create a genuine emotional connection with the audience.
EDM Maniac: You’ve worked across major global festivals like EDC and Tomorrowland. What do international promoters still misunderstand about Japan?
Yoshiyama: Many people still see Japan as a difficult market. What they often underestimate is how passionate and sophisticated Japanese fans are. Audiences here pay attention to details. They value quality, storytelling, and long-term relationships with artists. Japan is not necessarily a market that reacts the fastest, but it is one of the most loyal and sustainable music communities in the world.
EDM Maniac: What does Japan offer artists and fans that they can’t get in other major music markets?
Yoshiyama: Japan offers a unique combination of precision and emotion. The production quality, hospitality, safety, and respect for artists are world-class. At the same time, fans are incredibly dedicated and deeply engaged with music. Artists often tell me that performing in Japan feels special because audiences genuinely listen and appreciate the experience rather than simply consuming content.
EDM Maniac: How would you describe the current energy of Tokyo’s nightlife and music scene right now?
Yoshiyama: I would describe it as a renaissance. Tokyo has always had incredible talent and creativity, but in recent years we’ve seen a renewed confidence. International artists are returning, new venues are emerging, and local creators are becoming increasingly influential. There is a strong sense that Tokyo is ready to reclaim its position as one of the most important cultural capitals in Asia.
EDM Maniac: Do you think Tokyo is becoming a party destination like Ibiza or Las Vegas, or is it building a completely different category?
Yoshiyama: I think Tokyo is creating its own category. Ibiza is famous for nightlife. Las Vegas is famous for entertainment spectacle. Tokyo’s strength is the fusion of culture, technology, hospitality, fashion, art, food, and music. People don’t come to Tokyo for only one thing. They come for a complete cultural experience. That’s what makes Tokyo unique.
EDM Maniac: What role do you think Japan plays in the future of global electronic music culture?
Yoshiyama: Japan can become one of the world’s most important cultural bridges. Historically, Japan has been exceptional at absorbing global influences and transforming them into something uniquely Japanese. I believe the next phase is exporting those ideas back to the world. The future is not about copying trends. It is about creating original experiences that can only come from Japan.
EDM Maniac: What has been the most difficult part of building large-scale festival culture in Japan that people don’t usually see?
Yoshiyama: Building trust. People see the stage, the artists, and the audience, but behind every successful festival are years of relationship building with governments, venues, sponsors, partners, artists, and local communities. Japan has extremely high standards, which is a strength, but it also means every detail matters. Creating a world-class festival requires patience, consistency, and long-term commitment.
EDM Maniac: When you think long term, what do you want 81 Music Festival to represent?
Yoshiyama: I want 81 Music Festival to become a global cultural platform born in Japan. Not simply a music festival, but a symbol of connection. A place where artists, creators, innovators, and audiences from around the world come together and discover something new. If people look back ten years from now and say that 81 helped connect Japan with the world through music and culture, then I would consider it a success.
Our vision is simple: From Japan to the world. One code. Infinite expressions. That code is 81.
Featured image courtesy: 81 Music Festival.
