Launched in 2017, Sakura City's community-based music festival 'Kusanone Fes' has launched 'Kusanone Idol Fes' as a new initiative to ensure sustainable operations.

By welcoming Mr. Masato Shirai (Halo at Shijohan), who supported the event since its inception, onto the executive committee, the festival established a unique format of consecutively hosting rock and idol festivals. This strategy expanded its audience and enhanced sustainability, growing to attract approximately 3,000 attendees by 2025.

Since its launch in 2017, 'Kusanone Fes' has continued annually with the mission of creating a locally rooted music festival in Sakura City.

However, festival operations have not been without challenges, and the organizing committee has consistently faced difficulties in ensuring continuity. Nevertheless, driven by the desire to promote music from Sakura and establish a lasting music culture in the city, the committee has persisted in holding the event every year.

'We don't want this festival to end.'

Guided by this sentiment, after extensive discussions, the committee launched 'Kusanone Idol Fes' as a bold new initiative.

Mr. Masato Shirai, a Sakura-born bassist of the rock band 'Halo at Shijohan' and producer of the idol group 'may in film,' became the representative, launching a rare format in Chiba Prefecture: consecutively hosting a rock festival and an idol festival.

By incorporating idol culture, the festival has broadened its audience, strengthened long-term viability, and created new opportunities for visitors to engage with the local community.

As a result, by 2025, the combined two-day event attracted approximately 3,000 attendees.

This year, Halo at Shijohan, which has resumed activities after a five-year hiatus, will make a highly anticipated return to the Kusanone Fes stage.

The music festival, built by passionate locals, is now taking a bold new step forward.

Rock and idols.

Experience music beyond genres at the 'New Kusanone Fes'—don't miss it.

Event Name

Kusanone Fes 2026 / Kusanone Idol Fes 2026

Ticket Required

Kusanone Fes 2026: ¥7,000 / Kusanone Idol Fes 2026: ¥7,000

For more ticket details, visit the official website.

Dates

September 5 (Sat) – 6 (Sun), 2026, 10:00–20:30

Venue

Sakura Kusabue no Oka (820 Iino, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture)

Access

By car: Approximately 25 minutes from Sakura IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway (parking available)

By public transport: 15-minute free shuttle bus from Keisei Sakura Station

Two Music Festivals Born in Sakura City

'Kusanone Fes' is a music festival launched in 2017.

Led by Mr. Nobuyuki Shirahata, manager of the local live house 'Sound Stream Sakura,' the event is organized by an executive committee comprising local businesses, organizations, and Sakura City.

Featuring both nationally active and local artists, it has become a signature music event representing Sakura City.

Idol Festival Launched by a Sakura-born Artist

'Kusanone Idol Fes' was launched in 2024.

Mr. Masato Shirai, a Sakura-born bassist of the rock band 'Halo at Shijohan' and producer of the idol group 'may in film,' serves as its representative.

The festival brings together idol groups from across Japan to Sakura City, creating a space where music connects new visitors with the local community.

Collaboration with Local Businesses

Food trucks operated by restaurants from Sakura City and neighboring areas will be set up at the venue, showcasing the region's culinary charm. The event offers visitors a full experience of Sakura City's appeal through music, food, and human connections.

Regional Revitalization Through Music

Beyond promoting music culture, both festivals aim to:

- Increase visitor exchange

- Strengthen collaboration with local businesses

- Boost tourism

- Promote the region to younger generations

The organizers will continue leveraging music to promote Sakura City and drive regional revitalization.

Contact

Kusanone Festival Executive Committee

URL: https://kusanonefes.com/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event