Ultra Music Festival 2016 was held in Miami, U.S. from March 18–20. Over 160,000 fans from 87 countries descended on the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, and over 5.4 million mentions were made on social media, creating the biggest social trend of any music festival in history. The festival was also a craze worldwide with over 14 million people in 152 countries who livestreamed the festival and DJ sets via Ultra Live.
Attendees gathered from all over the world carrying their home country’s flag, taking pictures, and enjoying themselves in their own way at the event’s eight state-of-the-art stages.

Japanese DJs Who Have Performed at Ultra Japan Lit Up the Worldwide Stage

Ksuke, whom Tokyo Otaku Mode previously interviewed, and TJO fired up the crowd in Miami on the arch-shaped Worldwide Stage with their synthesis of music and visuals unique to Japanese DJs.
While there still aren’t many Japanese DJs and DJs who use Japanese music in their sets, slowly but surely Japanese DJs and their music are beginning to be loved worldwide, and top DJs famous worldwide who love and use the creative music of Japan are increasing.
Miami-style Music Festival Fashion?

Because of Miami’s extremely hot climate from March onward, attendees showed off their personal festival fashion while being conscious of the heat and staying hydrated.

These vividly colored Ultra fans were on sale as official merchandise of the festival. Even traditional Japanese accessories like these were picked up as festival fashion.

Modern Japanese content also played a part in festival fashion at UMF, and we often caught sight of attendees who incorporated popular Japanese character goods into their style.

Popular between men and women alike were wild wolf-like hats that were well matched to the outdoor festival.
There were many attendees visiting from Japan too, and they lit up the festival with their J-fashion.
Worldwide DJs Who Boast Overwhelming Popularity in Japan, Together in One Place

ZEDD, known for his love of the Japanese game franchise The Legend of Zelda, put on a standout performance at UMF. He previously held a tour in Japan as well that was hugely successful.
Just the other day Avicii announced the sad news that he’s retiring from live shows and events. His unique music is loved by many fans, especially in Japan, and he brought UMF to a climax with his performance.
From the Intense Heat of Miami to This Summer’s Ultra Japan

The top performers in EDM were all present at this year’s UMF. All throughout the festival attendees visiting from Japan and an overall love of Japanese culture could be seen.
And this excitement will soon jump the pond to Tokyo this summer!
This year’s Ultra Japan is set to take place over three days, and the event will propel even more the evolution of Japan’s music scene. DJs famous worldwide have taken notice of the trend as well, and many will be coming to Japan this year for concerts and event shows, as well as to participate in collaborations with Japanese artists, anime, and manga.
There is literally no telling what to expect from this year’s Ultra Japan! Start planning your visit to experience this fusion of music from all over the world with Japanese culture. We’ll see you in Odaiba, Tokyo from Sept. 17–19!

Photographed by Matt Masui
Article written by Matt Masui and translated by Jarrett M.