Three days and approximately 90,000 people. Could Ultra Japan 2015 show us a glimpse of the future of Tokyo?
Over the three-day period from Sept. 19–21, Ultra Japan 2015 was held at the Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park. The dance music event attracted approximately 90,000 people, greatly surpassing the 42,000 who gathered during the two-day event held last year. This year, tickets were also sold out within seconds, and the event was filled with audience members from Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Hong Kong, and other countries as well. Estimates suggest that the overall economic impact amounts to roughly 9.8 billion yen, which clearly shows just how highly anticipated and significant the event is.
But what is it that led to an event like Ultra Japan in a country without a long history in dance music? And can Ultra Japan give us a glimpse into the present and also the future of Tokyo?
[Fusion between the Internet and an Urban-Style Music Festival]
Although most large-scale dance music events are held in mountain areas or within indoor facilities, Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park - the venue of Ultra Japan - emerges in the Odaiba Area, surrounded by tall buildings in one of the world’s major cities. The park serves as a venue that greatly differs from the likes of Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Sonic, and because of its location, it is referred to as an urban-style music festival. From the side of the main stage, you can even see a full scale Gundam RG1/1 RX-78-2 Ver.GFT statue. This type of event held within urban areas could very well be a new challenge for Tokyo to handle.
The label of being an urban-style music festival does not only apply to the location and venue of Ultra Japan, though.
Another urban element of the event is found in the appearance of the audience. There is a new growing genre of fashion tailored for urban festivals that can be found at Ultra Japan, and a variety of fashion media including WWD Japan, Nylon Japan, and Elle Girl all provide special coverage of the event. Compared to Ultra Music Festivals (UMF) held in other countries, the Ultra Japan audience definitely has its own unique look. Some stay true to Japan’s cosplay culture, while some sport happi coats and other traditional Japanese festive wear. Fashion might be another way for the audience to enjoy the event, and could also allow individuals to capture the attention of their favorite artists for just a brief moment.
Internet involvement in Ultra Japan also makes it very urban. With a policy stating that the events to be produced by artists and also each individual audience member, Ultra Japan allows the usage of smartphones for recording and sharing on SNS platforms. Because of this, Ultra Japan is first in the number of SNS followers, topping other music festivals like Fuji Rock and Rock in Japan. Along with live streaming on YouTube provided by UMF TV, live coverage of the event was also provided on LINE Live Cast for smartphone users. It could be said that the Internet allowed artists and audience members to create an enormous urban area, making it possible for people from various locations to experience Ultra Japan even if they weren’t physically there.
[Japanese Artisans and a Stage of Brilliant Beauty]
The construction and quality of the stage that received much praise during Ultra Japan 2014 received a full upgrade this year. As the largest UMF stage in the world, the Ultra Japan stage shows off its trademark “U” screen that is supported by a series of beautifully arranged support beams. Once again, the stage has greatly impressed UMF staff and other associated parties. The nested panel structure on stage gave off a 3D look, and made audience members feel almost as if they were being absorbed into the display. Although the large panels surrounding the audience was as eye opening as ever, the effect was actually achieved using even fewer LED panels than last year.
In terms of the acoustics, Martin Audio’s MLA System was used to provide superior uniformity and also directivity control to prevent sound leakage. With the MLA System, sounds of the event could be directed in ways to reduce issues of sound pollution. Audience members may have been able to feel the difference when they compare what could be heard at nearby stations and at the venue itself.
[The Stage of Artists from Japan and around the World]
Artist variety and the wide range of genres featured also contributed to the charm of Ultra Japan 2015. New Japanese DJs such as KSUKE and Banvox were able to join in other artists and leading figures like DJ Emma, SUGIURUMN, and Satoshi Tomiie, who supported Japan’s club scene since the start. In terms of the music, house, Dutch trance, dubstep, brostep, trap, and techno were all available at the event. On day two, Skrillex - who is one of the representatives of dubstep and brostep - made his appearance and absolutely lit up the venue. In a mix that even featured Utada Hikaru’s “Passion,” Babymetal emerged on stage and shared an incredible session with Skrillex. The combination of Japanese idols and one of the most famous DJs in the world certainly caused a stir in the audience.
[Signs of a Brand New Tokyo Culture]
“We want Ultra Japan to be a life-changing event for the audience.” “Everyone should be able to release and have fun from the bottom of their heart.” It was as if the audience heard these words spoken to them, as they opened themselves to the DJs on stage and enjoyed the music with everything they have. In front of a wonderful audience, the performers might have had even more fun than the participants themselves. Through the event, everyone was connected.
Ultra Japan is a large-scale dance music event that brings music away from the wilderness and indoor facilities into the heart of major cities. The event offers a brand new experience, and could be a sign of a brand new Tokyo culture.
Formerly underground and mostly hidden away, club culture and dance music have emerged as forms of over-culture that connect even to idol and otaku culture as well. At Ultra Japan, the artists onstage who pour out their hearts through music for their devoted audience look just like heroes reaching out to us from a brand new world.
© ULTRA JAPAN 2015
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.