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By: Michael Lara
Tokyo, Japan
“Hearts fail...Young hearts fail…Anytime…pressurized. Overheat…Overtired…Take it quick…Take it neat…Clasp your hands…Touch your feet. Take it quick…Take it neat…Take it quick…Take it neat.” Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, sadly left us before savoring the blossoming beauty of Japan’s FUJI ROCK ® and SUMMER SONIC ®. Since its 1997 inception for the prior and 2000 for the latter, he would be so proud of these leaders of men this side of the Pacific and been most keen to perform at either.
As both fests serendipitously pull all into their colorful creative stew, one can be assured to raise a glass and a hearty many to their good fortune of being present. Deliciously basting in their different broths simmered over these days, happy trails and tales are a given in exploring and growing with the people you are with and get to know.
Naturally, regardless the duration at either or both fests, ample preparations are necessary as these are both formidable respective major offensives of the desired kind to be savored in a full flavor. And for most, the first and most frustrating challenge of all is of deciding whom to catch, as it all refreshingly rolls from there.
Won’t tell you whom to see, what to eat or drink as that is part of the annual fun in heightening your anticipation of discoveries for any fest on this planet. However, as a 9-year veteran of both, I do strongly advise is to come well rested so that you can explore each of these marathons in full as both SUMMER SONIC ® and FUJI ROCK ® heartily deliver.
SUMMER SONIC ®, set in city limits with its 8 stages, 6 undercover, are succinctly spread apart to deliver a surround sound and vision. With its daunting, flipping twin cities co-host setting of both Osaka and Tokyo, SUMMER SONIC ® impressively pulls in nearly 200,000 disciples, making it the most annually attended festival in Japan. Ensuring a hearty herd to joyfully collaborate with there and beyond, whether steadily shifting between the open air main Marine Stage and towards the Mountain Stage and its neighboring cousins in savoring the robust eclectic thoroughfare and beyond, post the organized festivities, be ready to run with its flow.
FUJI ROCK ®, as its diametric opposite with just 2 of its stages protected from the unpredictable elements high in the mountains of Niigata, holds an expansive spread between its 13 stages that begin with Crystal Palace and ends at the gondola-reached Day Dreaming stage. With its decathlon-like duration, secluded elevated location and the obvious need to camp on the adjacent area provided or stay in a nearby hotel, prudent preparations are naturally advisable and more so.
Do remember the festival grounds of Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata become a cozy commune of well over 100,000 for four full days at FUJI ROCK ® with its disciples displaying an ongoing dedication and tolerant discipline. In addition in properly stocking up in food and drinks, veteran campers will sagely advise to pay attention as to when to shower as it can be a fierce line if you wait too late to shower as peak times between 8 and 11 each morning are a given. Of course, on the other hand, this is why SUMMER SONIC ® provides the ever flavorful option to take it one day at a time with its easily accessible urban locations of Osaka and Tokyo with no need to queue for some liquid cleansing.
No matter which you reach, good times are ensured as Chic would say and play. To maximize yours, definitely do your homework to savor either or both in full. You’ll be supremely rewarded. Once you experience these epic twin labors of love in this land, you’ll be a regular to do it again and again, ‘stone free’ just like Ian and Jimi in getting down to business.
RECOMMENDED CHECKLIST4BOTH:
Torch/flashlight
Mosquito spray
Sun block
A Sensu (Japanese folding fan)
Alcohol of choice
Water
Bar of soap
Small towel
Cargo pant shorts
Camera
Snacks of choice
A Camelbak®
Portable ashtray & lighter (for you smokers)
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Hat
Sunglasses
Poncho (a 100 yen shop one will be sufficient)
Mat or plastic sheet to chill on and…
A cowbell (can never have too much of that in celebrating with all)
FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2009: July 24th- 26th
Held at Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
SUMMER SONIC 2009: August 7th-9th
Concurrently held in Osaka & Tokyo
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All opinions expressed by Michael Lara are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of Stay Thirsty Media, Inc.
