VIVA LA ROCK 2025 Adds ano, Awich, Kvi Baba, and More

The final lineup for the rock festival VIVA LA ROCK 2025, set to take place over four days from Saturday, May 3, at Saitama Super Arena, has been announced.

Commonly known as Viva La, the festival fully utilizes Saitama Super Arena in its “stadium mode” setup. Previously, 79 acts had been announced, including SKY-HI, Creepy Nuts, imase, Aina the End, Hitsujibungaku, jo0ji, Dos Monos, LANA, and Maximum the Hormone.

On March 24 (Monday), 17 additional artists were revealed: ano, Arakezuri, Awich, Kvi Baba, Saitama Edition of Saiyuuki (Kosuke Saito from UNISON SQUARE GARDEN / TenTwenty), Sambomaster, DJ Akira Ishige (the telephones), DJ Minoru Katahira (GETTiNG BETTER), DJ Pierre Nakano, DJ Yatsuiichiro, Dizzy Sunfist, Nishina, Nisshoku Natsuko, BIGMAMA, Manako Arata, Raisan, and ROTTENGRAFFTY. With this final announcement, the total number of performing artists has reached 96. The performance dates for each artist have also been released.

Additionally, 10 finalists have been selected for VIVA LA CHANCE U22 SAITAMA Music Audition, a music audition project produced in collaboration between VIVA LA ROCK and Akira Ishige of the telephones. The audition, open to musicians under the age of 22, will grant the grand prize winner the opportunity to perform at the festival. The 10 acts that passed the preliminary screening are as follows: from the Saitama category—Keeshond, Pastel Tang Club, mukeikaku, and Moraka; and from the general category—Shouko ni Mary’s, Hyudoron, Nagi Fujino, Furari Fura, masa wrld, and MIRAIJI.

The second round of judging will take place as a live audition at HEAVEN’S ROCK Saitama Shintoshin on March 31 (Monday), where each of the 10 acts will perform two songs. After the review process, three finalists will advance to the final round, which will be held at the same venue on the same day, where the grand prize winner will be determined. The live audition is free to attend and open to all.

Alongside the announcement, a message from VIVA LA ROCK producer Tomoko Ariizumi has been released, expressing excitement for the festival and the upcoming live auditions. It was also revealed that there will be no paid live stream (Viva La! Online) for the 2025 edition. Additionally, a message from Akira Ishige, the producer of the audition project, has been shared.

The wait is over! With the addition of 17 newly announced artists, we can now unveil the complete lineup for VIVA LA ROCK 2025! This year, we’re bringing together 96 incredible acts, plus one special artist—the grand prize winner of VIVA LA CHANCE—making it a total of 97 artists ready to set the stage on fire for the festival’s 12th edition.
Seeing so many talented artists return to VIVA LA fills us with immense joy and gratitude. Booking a festival is like embarking on a grand journey—every artist, every decision, every collaboration is filled with intention and passion. This year’s lineup is a reflection of that journey, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this story!
But our adventure doesn’t end here—it’s just beginning! Now, it’s your turn to join us. From May 3rd to May 6th, we’ll come together to create an electrifying, unforgettable four-day celebration of music, energy, and pure festival magic. A festival isn’t just about the artists on stage—it’s about you, the audience, shaping the experience with your passion, excitement, and love for music. This unique blend of artists and fans is what makes VIVA LA ROCK so special. Let’s make this year’s festival the most free-spirited, euphoric, and powerful music celebration yet—together!
Tickets are already on sale, and we’re thrilled to see so many of you securing your spot! The official timetable will be revealed soon—just hold on a little longer!

A Farewell to “VIVA LA! Online” – The Festival Returns to Its True Form
A big announcement: There will be no paid live streaming (VIVA LA! Online) this year.
When the pandemic forced us to cancel the festival in 2020, VIVA LA! Online was born out of a simple, unwavering belief—music should never stop. We fought to bring the festival experience to everyone, even if it meant doing so from a distance. But now, as we return to the heart of live music, standing side by side, feeling the pulse of the crowd, we believe that VIVA LA! Online has fulfilled its purpose.
To everyone who joined us online these past five years—thank you. Maybe VIVA LA! Online was your first taste of the festival. Maybe it sparked a new love for live music. Now, it’s time for the real thing. Come to Saitama Super Arena. Feel the music with your whole being. Let’s experience the magic of VIVA LA together, in person.

VIVA LA CHANCE: 10 Finalists Ready for the Spotlight!
VIVA LA CHANCE U-22 SAITAMA Music Audition, a project born from a shared dream with Akira Ishige (the telephones) and our Saitama music family, has officially selected its 10 finalists!
We weren’t sure how many young artists would step up in just a month and a half—but to our amazement, 128 groups submitted their music. The talent, the individuality, the raw potential—every single submission was a reminder of how much incredible music is waiting to be discovered. Choosing just 10 was no easy task. If you didn’t make it this time, please keep creating, keep expressing, keep pushing forward—your music matters! Thank you to every artist who shared their sound with us.
The live audition will be held on March 31st (Monday) at HEAVEN’S ROCK Saitama Shintoshin. Doors open at 12:00 PM, and the show starts at 12:15 PM. Admission is completely free (just a ¥600 drink charge), so come witness the future of music with your own eyes. We can’t wait to see these artists light up the stage!

The Countdown Begins—40 Days to Go!
With just 40 days until VIVA LA ROCK 2025, our team is working tirelessly to bring you an unforgettable festival experience.
This Golden Week, let’s turn up the volume, let loose, and celebrate music to the fullest at Saitama Super Arena.
We’ll be waiting for you at VIVA LA ROCK! See you there!

Tomoko Ariizumi (Producer, VIVA LA ROCK)

To every artist who submitted their music to VIVA LA CHANCE, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Even though the application period was just a short month and a half, the number of entries far exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier. Each artist brought something unique and special, making the selection process incredibly tough.

Together with Ariizumi-san and the rest of the committee, we listened intently, debated, and carefully selected the 10 artists who will move on to the next stage.

For those who weren’t selected this time—please don’t be discouraged. Keep believing in your music, stay true to your sound, and continue creating.

The next step is the live performance audition on March 31st at HEAVEN’S ROCK Saitama Shintoshin (free admission, open to everyone!). I’m beyond excited to watch these artists perform live!

To the 10 selected artists, I’ll be sending you my personal feedback and a few pieces of advice based on your submissions soon—so please stay tuned.

Once again, thank you to each and every one of you who applied!

VIVA LA CHANCE Producer:
TerukioHan_2F51（the telephones)

The second round of the official goods pre-sale has started on March 21st (Fri.). The second special item celebrating the 25th anniversary of Saitama Super Arena in 2025 is a collaboration T-shirt by “VIVA LA ROCK x Saitama Super Arena x Artist YUGO. The annual collaboration with the Urawa Reds is also on sale.