Introducing New Original Podcast 'radiko Music Stories' to Share the 'Stories' Behind Music

radiko Inc. (President and CEO: Takuo Ikeda; headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), the provider of the free service 'radiko' that allows users to listen to radio and podcasts via smartphones and computers, has launched a new original podcast series titled 'radiko Music Stories,' which delivers diverse 'stories' related to music through voice.

This program is a music talk series that sheds light on the 'stories' behind artists, songs, and the people who support music, aiming to deepen listeners’ appreciation of music. Episodes featuring a wide range of themes and guests will be released continuously.

[Podcast URL]

https://radiko.jp/podcast/channels/2021a46b-495e-4c2b-b898-74ee9a63e421

First Series: Special Feature on FUJI ROCK

To commemorate the launch, radiko will begin sequential distribution on July 14 (Tue) of a special feature titled 'radiko Music Stories 〜FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26 Edition〜,' in collaboration with five official radio stations (J-WAVE, ZIP-FM, FM802, FM COCOLO, interfm), coinciding with the upcoming 'FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26'—Japan’s largest outdoor music festival (July 24–26, 2026, at Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture).

In the first episode of the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26 Edition, Takashi Ishitobi, Executive Officer at SMASH Co., Ltd.—the company responsible for planning, producing, and operating FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL—will be the guest, joining navigators Celeina Ann and Shinya Takano to explore the 30-year history of FUJI ROCK and SMASH.

The episode will delve into numerous past failures, the shift toward environmental issues, and how the organization has drawn the line between what should be preserved and what must continuously evolve. Ishitobi will also openly discuss pivotal life events that profoundly impacted him.

Guest for Episode 1 of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '26 Edition

[Profile: Takashi Ishitobi]

Executive Officer at SMASH Co., Ltd. Having been involved in the music industry since the 1980s, Ishitobi has played key roles in artist management, live house booking, international artist bookings, and the operation of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, embodying Japan’s music event history. In 2004, he successfully brought The LOSTERS’ reunion concert to the Green Stage.

Each participating station’s navigator will serve as MC, inviting key figures who have long 'created and supported' FUJI ROCK, to explore the festival’s social role, coexistence with the local community, culture emerging from merchandise, and the systems behind the world’s cleanest festival—revealing the 'other story' beyond the stage excitement. During the distribution period, all episodes will be available for free nationwide via radiko podcast, transcending regional boundaries.

Channel Overview

Channel Name: radiko Music Stories

Content: A music talk podcast delivering 'stories' behind people, songs, and culture related to music

(Continuous distribution)

Distribution: radiko podcast

First Series Overview

Title: radiko Music Stories 〜FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26 Edition〜

Format: 4 episodes

Release Dates: Episode 1: July 14 (Tue); Episode 2: July 16 (Thu); Episode 3: July 21 (Tue); Episode 4: July 23 (Thu)

※ All dates are tentative

Participating Stations: J-WAVE, ZIP-FM, FM802, FM COCOLO, interfm

Release Lineup

Episode 1 (Released July 14, Tue) | J-WAVE

Guest: Takashi Ishitobi (SMASH)

MC: Celeina Ann / Shinya Takano

Theme: Why is FUJI ROCK 'FUJI ROCK-like'? Takashi Ishitobi of SMASH discusses the philosophy of FUJI ROCK

Episode 2 (Released July 16, Thu) | FM802 / FM COCOLO

Guest: Kenta Kanazawa (Vice President, Naeba Tourism Association; Director, 'Fujiraku no Mori Project')

MC: Eri Fukamachi

Theme: A festival that says 'Welcome back.' Kenta Kanazawa, Vice President of the Naeba Tourism Association, discusses the bond between Naeba and FUJI ROCK

Episode 3 (Released July 21, Tue) | ZIP-FM

Guest: Satoshi Toyomane (Representative, Ganban / GAN-BAN)

MC: Osamu Sawada

Theme: Bringing FUJI ROCK into everyday life. Satoshi Toyomane, Representative of Ganban/GAN-BAN, discusses the story behind festival merchandise

Episode 4 (Released July 23, Thu) | interfm

Guest: Yu Nakajima (Representative, Green Apple; Sustainability Officer)

MC: George Cockle / Maya Watanabe

Episodes 5 and beyond: Content recorded at the on-site radio booth during FUJI ROCK will be distributed

About radiko

radiko (https://radiko.jp/) is a free service that allows users to listen to radio and podcasts on smartphones and computers. With features such as 'Time-Free' (free), which enables users to replay radio programs broadcast within the past 7 days, 'Area-Free' (¥385/month including tax※1), which allows access to radio programs nationwide beyond regional restrictions, and 'Time-Free 30' (¥480/month including tax※2), which allows unlimited access to programs from the past 30 days, radiko enables users to enjoy audio content anytime, anywhere—whether at home or during commutes.

In December 2025, radiko will celebrate its 15th anniversary, adopting the slogan 'FIND YOUR VOICE.' The company is implementing various initiatives to expand audio listening experiences, strengthen user connections, and evolve into a platform that offers new ways to enjoy audio content.

radiko participating stations: All 99 private radio stations and NHK (NHK AM, NHK FM)

※1) ¥480/month including tax when registered via App Store or Google Play

※2) ¥620/month including tax when registered via App Store or Google Play