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History - 2009

Fact file

Dates

July 24, 25, 26, 2009

Place

Naeba Skii Resort, Niigata

Figures

Audience

123,000 (cumulative)

Campers

18,000

Tents

8,000

What happened?

If Fuji Rock Festival '09 was to be symbolised by anything, it would have been Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Kiyoshiro passed away suddenly in May 2009. Artists connected to Kiyoshiro, from Japan and abroad, performed as a tribute band on the Green Stage, for one last get-together. As a regular performer at Fuji Rock, he left many people with long lasting memories, and his performances have been etched into the hearts of Fuji Rock audience members. His loving audience and artists were all given one final magnificent party, and thanks to the musicians of the 'Imawano Kiyoshiro Special Message Orchestra NICE MIDDLE with New Blue Day horns', the night will live on in the memories of the audience forever.

Oasis returned to Fuji Rock this year. The band's previous appearance was in 2001, so the audience were overjoyed to see the band back at the festival after a long break. A month after this show, Noel left the band and consequently their FRF'09 Green Stage performance turned out to be their last in Japan. Although there are no plans for Oasis to be re-united, we cannot help but wish to see them another time at Fuji Rock.

Weezer played at Fuji Rock for the first time. The band were scheduled to play the first ever Fuji Rock, but were unable to perform due to the typhoon which hit the area on the second day, perhaps reminding the audience of that day. The world famous dance music group Basement Jaxx closed the Green stage on the final night. Their fantastic show turned the Green Stage into a massive dance floor.

The popular Mexican-styled tent 'CABARET FIESTA', open since 2008, was replaced by the "Cafe de Paris". Inspired by Paris' famous 'Moulin Rouge', the area entertained may people with it's exotic and lively world.

It must have been disappointing for those who looked forward to All Night Fuji when it was cancelled due to safety concerns in extremely bad weather conditions. We paused to reflect on the fact that the Festival is held in a vast natural setting.

Fuji Rock Festival has been tackling environmental issues as well as promoting music. In addition to our regular "Zero Rubbish Guidance" and "Bio Diesel power generation", a new campaign was started. Called "Generate energy by cycling - play "Let's go to the country" by Imawano Kiyoshiro", it promotes the use of clean energy. The festival also promotes its own environmental goods - "My Chopsticks" were introduced to follow the previous years' "My Bottle". In the "NGO Village", through attracting audience members to the various exhibits and displays, grass-roots environmental activism again takes place, encouraging us to think together about environmental issues.

The festival has been encouraging the 'Do It Yourself' spirit and prompting participants to avoid causing nuisance to those around them. To enhance the promotion, the "Manner Campaign" was held this year to ensure all visitors can enjoy the Fuji Rock and all participants co-operate to make it better. The policy statement was made clearer to renew everyone's awareness and to promote better manners. To take responsibility for yourself, consider others, respect nature, to enjoy music and nature, and to create the festival together with artists, audience and staff - that's Fuji Rock!

Timetable 2009