The first lineup for Hibiya Music Festival 2025, set to take place on May 31 (Saturday) and June 1 (Sunday), has been officially announced.
Organized under the leadership of music producer Seiji Kameda, the festival is a free admission event held across multiple locations within Hibiya Park, including the renowned Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall (Yaon). Since its launch in 2019, the event has aimed to create a space where people of all generations can experience live music across diverse genres. The 2024 edition saw 175,000 attendees over two days, with an additional 255,000 online viewers via live streaming and on-demand broadcasts.
This year, 18 artists have been announced in the first wave, including several making their festival debut. Among them is Kenji Ozawa, who will return to perform at Yaon for the first time in 32 years. Also joining for the first time are imase, whose popularity has grown worldwide, and Kiyoshi Hikawa + KIINA, marking their comeback after resuming activities in 2024. Other debut acts include the rock duo GLIM SPANKY, known for their blues-influenced sound; singer-songwriter Sakura Fujiwara, who celebrates her 10th major debut anniversary in March; soprano Yurie Takano, who has built a career performing in operas and concerts; and Dos Orientales, a duo consisting of a pianist/composer based in Uruguay and a percussionist based in Japan.
Returning to the festival are Seiko Niizuma, YOYOKA, and Keitaro the Storyteller, all of whom have played a role in shaping past editions of Hibiya Music Festival.
Additionally, this year’s event will be the last to take place at the current Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall before it undergoes renovations. To ensure the festival remains free for all attendees, organizers are actively seeking support through corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, donations, and government grants.
Further artist announcements, as well as details on performance schedules and stage locations, will be released in the coming weeks. Comments from the participating artists and executive committee chair Seiji Kameda have also been shared.
Comment from Executive Committee Chair Seiji Kameda
The first lineup of artists for Hibiya Music Festival 2025 has been unveiled, marking the beginning of preparations for the highly anticipated event, which will take place on May 31 (Saturday) and June 1 (Sunday). In a statement, Seiji Kameda, the festival’s executive committee chair, shared his excitement about the diverse range of performers that will be joining this year’s festival.
The festival, now in its seventh year since its debut in 2019, continues to build on its success, showcasing an array of talented artists across genres and generations. Kameda promised that this year’s lineup would offer attendees a unique and memorable musical experience, exceeding expectations and delivering unforgettable moments.
With renovations currently underway at Hibiya Park, where the festival is held, Kameda addressed changes in the festival’s usual setup. The Ongakudo Stage, a small music hall previously used for performances, will not be available this year due to construction. However, the Second Flower Bed, which was still under construction during last year’s festival, has been revamped and renamed Shiba Garden Square, offering an improved, barrier-free environment with an open and refreshing atmosphere for festival-goers to enjoy the performances.
This year will also mark the final festival held at the current Yaon Stage (Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall), as it will undergo renovations starting this autumn. Kameda reassured fans that despite the construction, the festival will continue to create immersive and emotional musical experiences by creatively utilizing available spaces within the park.
Looking ahead, the festival’s popularity continues to grow. In 2024, it welcomed 175,000 attendees and attracted an additional 255,000 online viewers through live streaming and on-demand content. Kameda confirmed that the festival would again be streamed online, ensuring that people nationwide can enjoy the performances from home. The streaming program will include exclusive content such as artist interviews and special talk sessions, enhancing the experience for remote viewers.
As the festival gears up for its May 31 and June 1 dates, Kameda emphasized the ongoing need for support from sponsors and crowdfunding to keep the event free for all attendees. The Hibiya Music Festival has remained steadfast in its mission to deliver high-quality music and emotional experiences to a wide audience without charge, and Kameda expressed his gratitude for the continued support that will help ensure the festival’s future.
Festival organizers will announce additional artists and performance details in the coming weeks. As the festival prepares for its 2025 edition, Kameda urged everyone to stay tuned for exciting updates and to continue supporting the free, open-access music event.
February 5, 2025
Seiji Kameda, Executive Committee Chair, Hibiya Music Festival
imase
I am truly honored to be able to perform at the final Hibiya Music Festival held at the current Yaon. The festival, which is open to everyone without boundaries, aligns with the kind of “free and enjoyable live performances for all” that I strive for. I am excited to deliver thrilling and emotional moments to everyone in such a place. I will do my best!
Kenji Ozawa
In 1993, I held a free concert at the Hibiya Yaon. At that time, Schadarappa shouted “Ozaken, I love you!” in a call-and-response, and it was written about by Kyoko Okazaki and others in a manga. It became the birthplace of “Ozaken.” I will perform there for the first time in 32 years at the Yaon that is about to be dismantled. I’ll also sing “Arpeggio” in Hibiya Park. Thank you, Kameda-san, for inviting me!
Kan Sano (Band Set)
I am so happy and honored to have received an invitation from the highly respected Kameda-san. It will be my first time performing at Hibiya Park, and I’m excited. Let’s create a new cycle of music together. I’m looking forward to it!
Kikaseya. Keitaro
“The time to start is now, the time for the picture book begins♪” Whether you’re a fan of picture books, music, a child, or an adult, come on over!
Children always want to be read to, and even adults sometimes want to be read to as well. Enjoy a heartwarming storytelling session with music performed by Akiko Tajima & Fumihiko Kawano, accompanied by the charm of picture books!
GLIM SPANKY
We’ve been following Kameda-san’s work for some time, and have always felt that it’s a wonderful event where many people can enjoy music. We’re honored to be part of it this time.
The venue, the Hibiya Yaon Open-Air Concert Hall, is one we love and have performed at many times, so we’re especially looking forward to it.
Let’s enjoy music together at Yaon!
Suiren
We are the Japanese instrumental duo, Suiren, and we’re excited to be performing again this year. We play traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi, biwa, and 25-string koto, and we also sing.
This year, we’re fortunate to share our music with everyone again. Please come and experience the sounds of contemporary Japan. If you see and hear us live, you might just discover a world of Japanese instruments you didn’t know before! We hope you enjoy our performance at Suiren’s stage♪
Yurie Takano
I am deeply honored to be performing at the Hibiya Music Festival for the first time.
The Hibiya Music Festival is a special place where you can enjoy a wide range of musical genres. Whether you don’t usually listen to classical music or you’re a fan, I believe this festival offers many new discoveries. I hope you will feel free to visit and enjoy the music with us! I am truly looking forward to meeting everyone at the venue!
D.W. Nichols
D.W. Nichols is celebrating its 20th anniversary!
It’s been 10 years since “LIFE,” produced by Kameda-san!
We’re so happy to be performing at the Hibiya Music Festival.
Let’s all smile together through the power of music!
Dos Orientales
Dos Orientales will be performing at the Hibiya Music Festival for the first time.
This year marks our 19th anniversary, and we will release our fourth live recording CD, “ROMBO.” We’re excited to share songs we’ve been working on for many years. Even at over 80 years old, Hugo, who lives in Uruguay in South America, comes to Japan nearly every year and joyfully completes long tours. We’re grateful to be able to participate in this beloved music festival. We’re excited to see how the rhythms of candombe will resonate in the heart of the city! Please look forward to it!
Seiko Niizuma
Performing at the Hibiya Music Festival is like a gift in my life. I’m truly happy to be returning to that warm space this year.
The sound of boundless music flowing from a stage without a roof, where happiness spreads through the music.
It’s a festival where joy flows with every note. I look forward to meeting everyone at Hibiya Park during this lovely season between spring and summer!
Kiyoshi Hikawa + KIINA
I am thrilled to be performing at the Hibiya Music Festival for the first time!
I’m already feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness for my first stage performance…
I can’t wait to collaborate with wonderful artists, including Seiji Kameda!
I look forward to seeing all of you there!
Sakura Fujiwara
This will be my first time performing at the Hibiya Music Festival! I’ve always thought it’s a wonderful festival that opens music to a wide audience, so I’m really happy to be singing at Hibiya. Please come and recharge your energy through music!
Haruto Yamamoto
I’m beyond excited to sing at Hibiya Park for the first time. I’ve attended the festival as an audience member in both the past two years. It’s such a fun event, and I had planned to attend again this year, but I’m honored to now be performing. I’ll do my best, so please look forward to it!
Yuka
I’m so incredibly happy to be participating in the Hibiya Music Festival for the first time. It’s an event with the wonderful concept of being “free and borderless,” and I hope to connect with the wind, the sky, and all of you through my acoustic guitar. Just imagining it feels so good! I can’t wait to see you all there!
YOYOKA
I’m so happy to be performing again at the Hibiya Music Festival, which I’ve loved since I was 9 years old and performed at for the first time. I’m currently active in Los Angeles, but I’ll return to Japan just for this event. I’m really looking forward to performing in front of everyone in Japan! I’ll do my best so you can see even a little growth in me!
Hibiya Music Festival 2025
Venue: Hibiya Park (1-1 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0012)
- Main Music Hall (Yaon)
- Shiba Garden Square
- Health Plaza
- Grass Field Plaza
- Ni-renoki Square
- First Flower Bed
- Hibiya Library & Museum Large Hall and Small Hall, etc. (planned)
Satellite Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006) (planned)
- Hibiya Step Plaza
- Park View Garden (planned)
Dates: May 31, 2025 (Saturday) / June 1, 2025 (Sunday) from 10:30 to 20:30 (planned)
Note: The event will proceed regardless of rain. However, in case of severe weather or a disaster, it may be canceled. Additionally, some venues may temporarily halt, change locations, or cancel performances due to weather conditions.
Admission: Free (Some paid programs, including food and beverage stalls, will be available.)
Organizers: Hibiya Music Festival Executive Committee
Planning and Production: Makoto-ya Co., Ltd. / THE FOREST
Production Cooperation: nendo Co., Ltd.
Cooperation: e+ Co., Ltd. / Sunnyside Up Co., Ltd. / Pia Corporation / Hibiya Area Management (planned) / Yamano Music Co., Ltd. / Lawson Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Crowdfunding Cooperation: READYFOR
Operations: Japan Concert Promoters Association
Grants: Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo, Arts and Culture Enhancement Grant
Executive Committee Chair: Seiji Kameda
Executive Committee: Kyodo News Corporation / Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. / Japan Concert Promoters Association / Daiohshi Building Management Co., Ltd. / Chiyoda Ward Hibiya Library & Museum / The Imperial Hotel, Ltd. / Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association / Toho Co., Ltd. / Nippon Broadcasting System, Inc. / Japan Music Business Association / Japan Music Producers Association / Japan Life Insurance Company / Japan Recording Industry Association / Hibiya Matsumoto-rou Co., Ltd. / Felice Garden Hibiya / Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
Secretariat: Tokyo South Parks Group (Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, Daiohshi Building Management Co., Ltd., Kyoritsu Co., Ltd.) / Makoto-ya Co., Ltd.
Production Committee: Japan Concert Promoters Association / THE FOREST Co., Ltd. / nendo Co., Ltd. / Hibiya Park / Hibiya Park Main Music Hall (Yaon)
Advisory Board: Nezu Abe (Music Critic) / Mickey Yoshino (Keyboardist, Composer, Arranger) / Kōsetsu Minami (Singer-Songwriter) / Reiko Yukawa (Music Critic, Lyricist)
Sponsors: Hibiya Area Management, Ltd. / Makoto-ya Co., Ltd. / Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
AURAL SONIC
e+ Co., Ltd. / Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. / Daiohshi Building Management Co., Ltd. / Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association / East Nippon Expressway Company Limited / Proton Investment / Lawson Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Music Market Sponsors: Yamano Music Co., Ltd.
