Yamada Ryosuke, the celebrated Japanese singer-songwriter, is set to make his debut at the prestigious Fuji Rock Festival 2025, coinciding with his 50th anniversary of his career. This exciting announcement promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh artistry as Yamada prepares to showcase his talents on one of Japan’s biggest stages.
The Fuji Rock Festival, taking place from July 25 to July 27, 2025, at the scenic Naeba Ski Resort located in Niigata Prefecture, has revealed an impressive lineup for the event. Headliners for the festival include international acts such as Fred Again on the 25th, Vulfpeck on the 26th, and Vampire Weekend closing the festival on the 27th. Alongside these global sensations, Yamada will perform on the festival’s second day, bringing his unique sound to share with fans.
Yamada’s performance will mark his first appearance at the Fuji Rock Festival, following his last festival appearance seven years ago at the Rising Sun Rock Festival 2018. This debut adds to the festival's rich history, known as a hub for both international and domestic music talents.
To commemorate his 50 years in the music industry, Yamada is also set to release 'SONGS 50th Anniversary Edition' on April 23, 2025. This anticipated album will not only feature remastered classics but also include bonus tracks and live recordings from throughout his career, particularly from his time with the iconic group Sugar Babe, which he co-founded.
The 'SONGS 50th Anniversary Edition' will be available in multiple formats: CD, vinyl, and cassette, appealing to both new fans and collectors. The album will include demo versions of favorites like “SHOW” and “パレード,” as well as live renditions from memorable performances, such as the 1994 “Tatsuro Yamashita Sings Sugar Babe Live.” This live album is especially notable as it is the first since 1989's 'JOY', marking 36 years since the release of new live material from Yamashita.
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement for both Yamada’s festival debut and the album release, with comments highlighting the emotional reactions they anticipate when listening to his hits performed live at such a significant venue. The phrase '山下達郎が苗場降臨するとは' captures the surprise and anticipation felt across the fan community, with many tweeting their disbelief and enthusiasm about this milestone event.
Yamada’s influence on the Japanese pop music scene is unparalleled, making his participation at Fuji Rock 2025 not only a personal triumph but also a significant event for the genre. His songs have become staples of the Japanese music repertoire, and his appearances are met with fervor from audiences eager to celebrate his legacy.
This year’s Fuji Rock promises to be particularly memorable, bringing together both veteran and up-and-coming artists, providing fans with diverse experiences across the three-day event. The enthusiasm from both fans online and the official reports reflect the festival's importance as it continues to evolve and grow with the times.
Overall, Yamada Ryosuke’s debut at the Fuji Rock Festival within the framework of celebrating his 50th anniversary is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the upcoming music festival season. The combination of historical significance with new artistic expressions encapsulates what Fuji Rock stands for—a celebration of music, culture, and community.
With both the album release and festival approaching, it’s clear the summer of 2025 will be one filled with unforgettable moments for Yamada Ryosuke and his fans. There’s bound to be great excitement as the festival nears, and anticipation for exclusive performances and nostalgic moments will surely heighten as the date draws closer.
Yamada’s participation and the release of the 'SONGS 50th Anniversary Edition' remind us all of the rich history embedded within the fabric of Japanese music, exciting both long-time fans and introducing his work to new audiences. It’s set to be not just another festival, but a reflective celebration of 50 years of creativity and evolution within the Japanese music scene.