Metamorphose - Japan’s techno festival

Metamorphose - Japan’s techno festival

17 July, 2007 | 2.59AM

• Section: Music News
• Written by: Terry Church

At the end of August Japan’s cutting-edge electronic music festival Metamorphose will play host to some of the world’s biggest techno and electronic artists near Mt. Fuji. Beatportal caught up with festival organiser Mayuri Akama in Tokyo to discuss Japan’s burgeoning electronic music scene.

How is the electronic music scene developing in Japan?

“It’s diversifying in Japan. There are many different electronic music scenes here, and there are so many parties from big to small every weekend. I think it’s quite healthy.

“There used to be just a scene in Tokyo and Osaka where you can listen to the latest, good quality electronic music, but now there are good parties and DJs in many other cities in Japan too.”

When you launched Metamorphose eight years ago what was your vision?

“There were only rock festivals and psy trance raves in Japan at the time.

“I wanted to do more techno and electronic music-oriented outdoor parties since I’m a techno DJ and I love to party outdoors. 

“I wanted to create something I’d enjoy myself.

“I want to present not only good techno artists, but also a wider variety of music from other genres like dub, jazz, world music and jam bands. 

“It’s nice to browse around a festival and find some good artists you didn’t know before.”

Has the festival outgrown your expectations?

“It has become the best of what it can be in the environment we are in.

“It could be better, but there are so many restrictions to do an outdoor festival and we have to respect that in order to keep going. 

“Japan is a small island with a population of 140m so it’s not so easy to find a nice spacious venue without noise problems with the local residents.”

What type of artists and DJs are you looking forward to seeing at Metamorphose this year?

“I’m looking forward to seeing Model 500 (check out Model 500’s music below) and Richie Hawtin on the main stage, and then also Audion live and Sebastien Leger.”

What is the setting of Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula like for a party?

“Shuzenji is an old little town near Mt. Fuji and is known for its hot springs. 

“The venue, Cycle Sports Center, is an amusement park based around bicycles so it’s a cool place for a party. 

“The venue is huge, and there will be three different stages, a spacious camp site, a market area and roller coasters which are available until midnight.”

Beatport are supporting Metamorphose and will be at the event giving out special gift cards with 10 free downloads.

For the full event details of Metamorphose click here

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