Yuuki Yoshiyama on building 81 MUSIC FESTIVAL and connecting Japan to the world [Q&A]

Japan's live music landscape is evolving rapidly, and a new generation of festivals and events is emerging with ambitions that extend far beyond the stage. Launching on June 27, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO in Odaiba, 81 MUSIC FESTIVAL arrives with a vision of connecting Japan to the world through music, culture, and community. The debut edition brings together a diverse lineup spanning electronic music, pop, hip-hop, and crossover live performances, featuring The Kid LAROI, R3HAB, MRAK, John Martin, Vini Vici B2B MR.BLACK, Night Tempo, Alan Shirahama, 3LI¥EN, and MARVY.

Named after Japan's international dialing code, the festival is built around the theme "From CODE to CORE — connecting Japan and the world through music." Leading that vision is Executive Producer Yuuki Yoshiyama, whose experience includes helping shape major events such as EDC Japan and GMO SONIC, while also performing internationally at festivals including Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, EDC Korea, and Tomorrowland Winter.

We spoke with Yoshiyama about the origins of 81 MUSIC FESTIVAL, building a Japan-born global platform, and why he believes the future of festivals lies in cultural exchange.

What was the first conversation or idea that eventually became 81 MUSIC FESTIVAL, and how did it evolve into a full-scale international platform?

The origin of 81 came from a simple question: could we create a new cultural touchpoint that connects Japan with the world?Having worked on festivals such as EDC Japan and GMO SONIC, I have always felt that Japan possesses world-class culture, hospitality, creativity, and technology. Yet, there are still too few platforms capable of exporting those strengths globally.

The name "81" is Japan's international dialing code. It is a simple number that everyone recognizes, but behind it lies a powerful message: from Japan to the world. What began as an event concept gradually evolved into something much bigger. Through countless conversations, I became convinced that 81 could become more than a festival—it could become a platform that creates meaningful connections between Japan and the international community.

You've been behind some of Japan's biggest modern festivals. What made you feel there was still space to build something completely new rather than continue within existing formats?

I have tremendous respect for the festivals that came before us. In fact, I learned many of my most important lessons from them. However, I believe there is still enormous untapped potential within Japan's entertainment industry. It is no longer enough to simply import international artists and present them on stage. The future lies in creating new value by bringing together Japanese companies, technology, food culture, tourism, creators, and communities.

At 81, we are not trying to build just another music festival. We are building a place where culture, technology, and community intersect. That space for innovation still exists, and I believe it is larger than many people realize.

When curating the debut lineup, what was the non-negotiable vision you used to decide who fit "81"?

The defining factor was never nationality or genre. The question we asked ourselves was simple: "Are they helping shape the future?" Of course, achievements and popularity matter. But more importantly, we looked for artists and creators who are moving culture forward and influencing the next generation. 81 is not about celebrating nostalgia. It is about introducing the people who will define what comes next.

That is why our lineup includes not only globally recognized names, but also emerging talents with the potential to influence the future of music and culture.

How do you balance bringing global headliners into Tokyo while still making sure the festival feels distinctly Japanese in identity?

For me, Japanese identity is not about traditional aesthetics or cultural symbols. It is about attention to detail, hospitality, respect for time, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. I want those values to be present in every aspect of the experience—from the moment an artist arrives in Japan to the moment a guest leaves the venue. Our goal is to welcome the world's biggest artists while creating an experience that could only happen in Tokyo. If people leave feeling that they experienced something uniquely Japanese without it being forced or obvious, then we have succeeded.

What does "exporting Japan" through music actually mean to you beyond just booking international artists in Tokyo?

I believe music is one of the few truly universal languages. Through that language, I want to share Japanese values, creativity, craftsmanship, and passion with the world. Music can become the gateway through which people discover Japan's young creators, innovative companies, food culture, and tourism opportunities. As both a DJ and a businessperson, I have spent much of my life traveling internationally. One thing I have learned is that the most meaningful cultural exchanges often happen off the stage rather than on it.

I want 81 to become a catalyst for those encounters—to create conversations, collaborations, and friendships that continue long after the music ends.

If someone attends 81 MUSIC FESTIVAL for the first time in 2026, what do you want them to feel that they wouldn't get anywhere else in the world?

I hope they leave with one simple thought: "I had no idea Japan could be this exciting."

Not only because of the music, but because of the people they meet, the energy of the city, and the uniquely Japanese approach to hospitality and experience design. Most importantly, I want people to feel that they witnessed the beginning of something new. 81 is not a finished product. It is a project that will continue to evolve alongside artists, partners, and communities from around the world. Those who attend the first edition will become part of its founding story. That sense of possibility, ambition, and collective creation is what I believe makes 81 truly unique.

81 MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place on June 27, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO in Odaiba. Tickets are available now in PLATINUM, GOLD standing, and GA seated tiers here