The third annual ‘J-WAVE presents INSPIRE TOKYO 2024 -Best Music & Market- supported by TimeTree’ has become a unique and charming urban cultural festival. Nestled between the bustling Harajuku, lively with tourists, and the dynamic, redeveloped Shibuya, the event took place at Yoyogi Park Event Plaza and Keyaki Namiki. The festival brought together a variety of shops selling goods, fashion, and art, alongside food trucks offering international cuisine. Free live performances took place on the outdoor stage, while the “LIVE FIELD” at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium’s First Gymnasium featured J-WAVE’s top artists delivering electrifying performances. Held over three days from July 13th to 15th, the festival was filled with a vibrant and free-spirited atmosphere that I want to capture while the excitement is still fresh.
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Urban Culture Festival: Easy to Join and Enjoy
One of the standout features of ‘INSPIRE TOKYO’ is its fantastic location and inviting atmosphere. Conveniently situated within a lush section of Yoyogi Park, it’s just a short walk from both Harajuku and Shibuya. The “MARKET FIELD” area, bustling with energy and reminiscent of a vibrant street fair or flea market, offers a delightful place to wander. It’s heartening to see families, elderly couples, and tourists, some seemingly having stumbled upon the event by chance, enjoying the free live performances, browsing through interesting shops, and fanning themselves with complimentary fans featuring artwork by Keiichi Tanaami. The festival’s inclusive, open atmosphere, appealing to people of all ages, is a defining charm of “INSPIRE TOKYO.”
The event also stands out for its exceptional music quality and engaging performances. On the opening day, July 13th, the “LIVE FIELD” featured a stellar lineup: NOA, known for her work as a singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor; Chotokkyu, popular for their “Main Dancer + Back Vocal” style; OWV, a four-member boy group making their second consecutive appearance; Hinatazaka46, a top female idol group; and BOYNEXTDOOR, a rising boy group from South Korea. The excitement was palpable, with enthusiastic cheers from dedicated fans and warm applause for newcomers. This sense of camaraderie and inclusion is another highlight of “INSPIRE TOKYO.”
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Market Area: A Hub of Crafts, Goods, and Artistic Wonders
Upon entering the Keyaki Promenade from the Shibuya side, the first area you’ll encounter is titled “TAKUMI BORDERLESS –Outdoor KOGEI–.” This section serves as a showroom for craftsmen from across Japan, featuring the theme of “Outdoor × Artisan Techniques.” The concept of combining camping and outdoor activities with traditional Japanese crafts is quite intriguing. It offers a variety of items appealing to cooking enthusiasts, including tableware, frying pans, and knives, making it a particularly enjoyable area for me personally.
Further ahead, you’ll find the area dedicated to miscellaneous goods and art. Shops featuring organic textures and a blend of international styles line the space, offering interior items, apparel, accessories, and imported goods. Browsing through these shops feels like exploring a flea market, and it’s enjoyable just to look around. A cute embroidered cat handkerchief catches the eye. Beyond this, there’s an art area where emerging artists, including art students, have set up their stalls. Children can participate in workshops, such as painting and fabric dyeing, with family-friendly activities available. Adjacent to this is the food truck area, where ice cream, drinks, and shaved ice are immensely popular. Although the Kanto region’s rainy season ended a few days later, the summer vibes are already in full swing.
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Seamless Enjoyment: Navigating Between Live Performances and Market Stalls
On the second day of “LIVE FIELD,” top-tier artists who could each fill the venue on their own came together for an unforgettable lineup. The stage was opened by Shishibashiri, delivering a dose of dark, romantic alternative rock. Nulbarich followed with intricate and intellectual dance music that stimulated both the mind and body. Wednesday Campanella showcased the radiant charm of Utaha, energizing the floor with powerful bass. Chilli Beans. brought a cool and wild vibe with their funky band sound. Finally, Daichi Miura, with the confidence of a veteran, delivered a fresh performance akin to a newcomer, thrilling the audience with sharp dance moves and an impressive vocal performance.
The final performance on the second day featured Ryujii Imaichi, who made his eighth appearance at the festival, including the previous “J-WAVE LIVE” events. He delivered a full-throttle performance, expressing his gratitude to the fans who had enjoyed the festival all day.
The event lasts a full six hours, but you can always take a break and explore the “MARKET FIELD” before returning. The laid-back and flexible vibe of ‘INSPIRE TOKYO’ makes it easy to enjoy at your own pace.
At the far end of “MARKET FIELD,” right before reaching Route 413, you’ll find the “TOKYO CURRY CULTURE” area. This section boasts a lineup of popular curry shops and official stores, with spicy aromas that are hard to resist. Nearby, the “World Food Area” offers a tantalizing variety of cuisines from 14 different countries. This section is a haven for food lovers, featuring everything from Chinese and Singaporean to Italian, British, Brazilian, Cuban, Belgian, Ukrainian, Swedish, and Danish fare. I regretted not having more time to savor a meal there due to the live performances, but if the festival is held here next year, I’ll definitely make a point to visit.
