Exclusive Interview: Taiwan's A_Root Tong Gen Sheng Heads to Fuji Rock! Explosive Set with No Ballads to Showcase Taiwanese Hospitality

Japan's flagship international music festival, FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, is set to take place at Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture. One of this year's most anticipated acts is Taiwanese band A_Root Tong Gen Sheng, selected for the ROOKIE A GO-GO stage. As the band celebrates its 10th anniversary, this appearance—facilitated through a partnership with Rock in Taichung—marks a breakthrough among emerging artists. In an exclusive interview with Storm Media, band leader Yang Zhi-bo expressed disbelief: "At first, I really couldn’t believe it." Having submitted their application with low expectations, the opportunity to perform on such a prestigious international stage has become the perfect 10th-anniversary gift.

A_Root Tong Gen Sheng makes their debut on Fuji Rock’s international stage. (Provided by A_Root Tong Gen Sheng)

Following in the footsteps of pioneering Taiwanese acts like Fire EX., Sunset Rollercoaster, and last year’s Zhen Le Tang, the band approaches Japan’s top-tier music festival with excitement. Scheduled for a late-night 10 PM slot, the members revealed they’ve prepared a setlist with "not a single slow song"—a high-octane, explosive performance designed to maximize audience interaction and dance energy. They aim to ignite the Naeba crowd with pure Taiwanese passion and infectious spirit, getting the entire audience moving and jumping.

A_Root Tong Gen Sheng prepares a "no slow songs" explosive setlist for their Fuji Rock performance. (Provided by A_Root Tong Gen Sheng)

When asked whether their unique fusion of Western and traditional Chinese instruments might face language or cultural barriers, the band expressed confidence. Drawing from past international performances, they’ve found foreign audiences respond directly and emotionally to music and stage energy. Though their lyrics blend Hakka, Taiwanese Hokkien, Mandarin, and English, the band believes the heartfelt invitation to join in is universal—"music is the best language." They hope to convey Taiwan’s hospitality and cultural humor—"cùmī" (quaint fun)—resonating deeply with Fuji Rock’s core spirit of musical joy.

A_Root Tong Gen Sheng hopes to express Taiwan’s hospitality and "cùmī" (fun) through music, creating a deep resonance with Fuji Rock’s love of music. (Provided by A_Root Tong Gen Sheng)

For stage costumes, the band has also put in thoughtful effort. After collaborating with Taiwanese designers at last year’s Paris Cultural Olympics, they’ve once again enlisted award-winning designer Dong Yan-xiu of Black Hat Suit, a multiple-time stage costume designer and winner of the Best Costume Design at the Taipei Film Festival. Aligning with Fuji Rock’s nature-friendly, relaxed outdoor vibe, the members will debut vibrant outfits centered on a "denim" theme—unified in concept yet playful in detail, creating a fresh visual identity.

However, this will be the first time all members attend Fuji Rock, and due to a tight schedule, they’ll only travel from Tokyo to Naeba on the day of their performance. When asked about their biggest concern, the members laughed and said, "No rehearsal." Given their unique blend of traditional instruments and electronic arrangements, performing without a soundcheck is nerve-wracking. They admit to feeling both excited and anxious—"eager yet fearful of getting hurt."

After absorbing energy at Fuji Rock, A_Root Tong Gen Sheng will immediately launch into their 10th-anniversary flagship concert, "Divine Journey," on July 30. The band explains the title reflects their desire to invite audiences into a magical 10-year journey, where everyone can lose themselves in thought or stillness, becoming one with the space. Seeing messages from Taiwanese fans in Fuji Rock’s online community shouting, "The Taiwan team must meet at Naeba!" the members warmly responded, hoping to amplify Taiwanese pride on-site, support each other, and convert both local and international non-fans into lifelong followers—"sweeping everyone into our fandom."

Formed in 2016 in Yilan, Taiwan, A_Root Tong Gen Sheng is known for deconstructing folk myths and monster legends, weaving traditional Chinese instruments into jazz and alternative pop. They’ve been nominated for four Golden Melody Awards, including Best Band, and won Best Album Producer. In recent years, they’ve performed at major international events such as the Paris Cultural Olympics and the Cervantino Festival in Mexico, establishing themselves as a leading mid-generation Taiwanese crossover band that blends local humor with world-class musical talent.