The highly anticipated music festival, “HELLO INDIE 2025,” will return to Sendai PIT in Miyagi on Sunday, July 13th, with an exciting lineup of performers announced.
Originally launched in 2014 as a multi-venue circuit event in Sendai, “HELLO INDIE” has grown to become a major fixture in Japan’s indie music scene. The event has previously featured a diverse range of influential artists, including the band apart, GEZAN, Lamp, and UK artist Bruno Major. In 2016, the festival expanded beyond Sendai, holding events in Matsumoto, Hiroshima, and Saitama.
Following a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 2024 edition of “HELLO INDIE” introduced a “Pay What You Can” model, where attendees could choose their own ticket price. The event was well-received, attracting participants from across Japan, including Tokyo. This donation-based approach will continue for the 2025 festival, where entry will be free, and attendees can pay via donation boxes or QR codes located at the venue. However, guests will be required to pay for two drinks upon entry.
The 2025 lineup includes six standout Japanese acts: Ganguu, spike shoes, downy, Roy Tamaki, Shugo Tokumaru, and LITE. Additionally, the festival will welcome DO MAKE SAY THINK, a renowned post-rock instrumental band from Toronto, Canada. Active since the 1990s, the band has garnered a devoted international following. Their 2017 album Stubborn Persistent Illusions won two Juno Awards, Canada’s equivalent of the Grammys, for Best Instrumental Album and Best Album Artwork. This marks their first visit to Japan in 15 years, making their performance at the event a highly anticipated highlight.
With its diverse lineup and unique approach to ticketing, “HELLO INDIE 2025” promises to be an unforgettable experience for indie music fans in Japan.
HELLO INDIE 2025 will once again feature a joint audition with the music distribution service FRIENDSHIP., following its successful collaboration in 2024. The audition is open to both amateur and professional musicians from all regions, offering one lucky group the chance to perform at HELLO INDIE 2025. The deadline for entries is Sunday, April 20th.
Additionally, official pre-sale ticket registration for the event will begin at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1st. Although entry to the event is free, tickets are not required for admission. However, access to the venue will be limited to 1,000 attendees, with priority given to those who have made a pre-registration and secured tickets if the event reaches capacity.
HELLO INDIE 2025
Date & Venue
July 13, 2025 (Sunday)
Doors Open: 12:30 PM / Show Starts: 1:00 PM
Sendai PIT
Two-stage setup / Limited to 1,000 attendees
Artists
- Ganguu
- spike shoes
- downy
- ROY Tamaki
- DO MAKE SAY THINK (Canada)
- Shugo Tokumaru
- LITE
Tickets
Pay What You Can (Attendees set their own ticket price at the venue)
There will be a tip box and QR codes for payments at the venue
2-drink fee required for entry
Official Pre-sale
April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) 8:00 PM – April 27, 2025 (Sunday) 11:59 PM
Zaiko: https://coolmine.zaiko.io/buy/1yvd:FBo:ca8cd
General Sale
May 17, 2025 (Saturday) 10:00 AM –
Zaiko: https:/coolmine.zaiko.io/buy/1yvd:FBn:38e5c
Audition
HELLO INDIE × FRIENDSHIP. Joint Audition 2025
Application Period
April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) 8:00 PM – April 20, 2025 (Sunday) 11:59 PM
Application Form
FRIENDSHIP. Entry Page: https:/friendship.mu/special/helloindie2025/
