Cover Photo: Takashi Konuma @takashi_konuma
If you pay attention to the Japanese heavy music scene, it seems like there is a festival going on every weekend. That’s not an unfair assumption- but most of these festivals are stacked with all local talent. In the metalcore and hardcore scene, there are a few regular festivals that attract some international acts and lineups for the ones in September and October have been announced! (Not all of these festivals have easy purchase for foreign fans yet, but we will update when links are available)
Here is our handy guide for if you are in Japan during September and October (and we may even see you at a few).
Sable Hills presents FRONTLINE FESTIVAL: 6th of September, Tokyo
After last year’s roaring success, Sable Hills are bringing back Frontline Festival. Held at Club Citta in Kawasaki, it is a short train trip from central Tokyo. Joining the Tokyo Riff Lords, will be US metalcore OG’s Darkest Hour, UK’s Oceans Ate Alaska and other massive Japanese acts KNOSIS, Hanabie., Deviloof, Hikage, Mirrors and View From The Soyuz. So leave your glasses at home and get ready for some carnage.
Japan based fans, you can purchase tickets currently here.
Foreigners, here is your purchase link.
BLOODAXE SUMMER BASH 2025: 20th September, Tokyo
Club Citta in Kawasaki once again is the place to be as BLOODAXE hosts their annual Summer bash. Fresh off their Spring show, you can bid farewell to the last of the Summer heat by spin kicking with the Japanese hardcore fans who mosh like it’s their day job. Headlining this year is SUNAMI from the US, who will be fresh off their Australian tour. Joining them is fellow Americans NAILS, BULLDOZE, STOUT and OUTTA POCKET. The Japanese bands making up the rest of the bill are legends Loyal To The Grave, Numb, PALM and Kruelty, along with View From The Soyuz, Tive, Secondarms, The Last Illyas and Recluse. This is definitely a day out for those who like to throw down.
Early bird tickets are flying out the window, but you can find tickets here.
FACT presents ROCK-O-RAMA -THE END-: 5th of October
One thing you may notice that most festivals in Japan are put together by bands themselves and this next star studded one is from Japanese post-hardcore legends FACT. International bands that will be making an appearance is Aussie band Closure In Moscow and British hardcore act Your Demise. You may remember we talked about this festival because this is where Her Name In Blood will be making their return, joined by a star studded list of Japanese bands: Crossfaith, Crystal Lake, Dustbox, Enth, Endzweck, For A Reason, Hey Smith, Loyal To The Grave, PALM, SPARK!!SOUND!!SHOW!!, THE BONEZ, Waterweed and 04 Limited Sazabys.
Tickets are available here. (If any issues for foreigners, please check the festival website here)
LOUD PARK 2025: 13th of October, Saitama
Now this one is a big one. While the full lineup has yet to be announced, what we’ve seen is already huge. Out at Saitama Super Arena, which is not a far train ride out of central Tokyo, the almighty Aussie giants Parkway Drive are your headliners. Joining them so far is the legendary Kerry King, Swedish metallers The Haunted and Orbit Culture, Calfornia metalcore greats The Ghost Inside and holding it down for Japan are Sable Hills. We are looking forward who could possibly round out this star studded lineup, but we know we will be trying our best to be there!
Tickets and more information in English is available here.
This is just some of the action that is coming up in Japan. We know September and October are popular tourists months, so we wanted to help you plan your Japanese metal holiday well in advance.
We will keep you updated with more information from these great festivals, such as side shows and tours- so make sure you follow along.
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