Outdoor Music Festival “hoshioto Camp ’23” — “The Best Music Under the Best Starry Sky”: From Excitement to Regional Revitalization

When it comes to the byword for outdoor music festivals held in Japan, the one that comes to mind is, of course, “FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL” (hereafter, Fuji Rock).

So, what comes to mind when you think of a fully independent (organized independently, without relying on sponsors) local outdoor music festival held in Okayama...?

“Huh? They hold outdoor music festivals in Okayama?” For those who still don’t know about it, we’d love to introduce hoshioto (Hoshioto), held every May in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture.

We spoke with organizer Fujii Yushi about hoshioto Camp ’23 (Hoshioto Camp), held in October 2023, and how it came about.

About the outdoor music festival “hoshioto”

“hoshioto” is a community-focused, fully independent local outdoor music festival.

Since 2012, we have been holding this handmade festival in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, a town with beautiful starry skies, under the concept “The best music under the best starry sky.”
In 2017, we moved to our current venue, Grapevine Romantic Hall in Aono-cho, Ibara City, and have aimed to create a festival that is easy to attend with family, on your own, or with friends.
In addition to music, we offer a full range of activities, including a kids’ area, workshops, and food stalls, and camping is also available.

From “What’s hoshioto?” on the official hoshioto website

Although there have been years when the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has overcome such difficulties and is now entering its 12th year as an independent event.

How I discovered hoshioto

I usually listen to music around the clock using streaming services, and I’m enough of a music fan to go to a few solo concerts by my favorite artists each year.

However, despite being a self-proclaimed music fan, I had never attended an “outdoor music festival” before discovering “hoshioto,” even though I was interested in them.

My reasons? It was far away and expensive… accommodation… transportation costs… my kids were still little… I piled up all these excuses and stuck to watching live streams on YouTube.

Then one day, while browsing ticketing websites, I happened to spot information about Okayama’s outdoor music festival, “hoshioto.”

When I looked at the lineup, I was amazed to see that a band I loved so much I’d traveled outside the prefecture to see them the previous year was coming.

Thinking they might never come to Okayama again, I decided on the spot to go.

Mistaking an outdoor music festival for “heaven”

On the day, I had only the faintest expectation of “I wonder what an outdoor music festival in Okayama is like,” and had no intention of staying long.

Honestly, I even thought I might just watch my favorite artist and head home.

But what awaited me was beyond anything I’d expected.

The quality up in the mountains of Ibara was incredibly, incredibly high

Six special stages had been set up around the venue.

I was first overwhelmed by the serious investment in the sound equipment, evident in the setup that seemed capable of accommodating any artist, from large-scale acts to small ones, and even in the rehearsals.

What’s more, everything from the entrance onward was stylishly decorated, with the forest adorned just as thoughtfully.

There was also a space where small children could play.

There were rows of carefully selected, delicious food stalls, so you didn’t have to worry about getting hungry.

With the weather on our side and sparkling fresh greenery as a backdrop, everyone was smiling and enjoying the music at their own pace. People relaxed in hammocks in the shade, children ran around, and faint melodies and happy cheers echoed from all around the forest…

In this overwhelmingly extraordinary setting, I could hardly believe I wasn’t in heaven.

Letting yourself be carried away by “music”

And it was also a space where you could simply enjoy “music” freely.

I realized that even if you’re not a fan, even if you don’t know the artists, simply immersing yourself in the music can still give you something.

Whether it was the outdoor setting or the energy of the artists, I found myself naturally wanting to give every genre a chance.

It’s a miracle that you can have these experiences in Okayama—a heaven you can visit without spending money on transportation or staying overnight…!

“hoshioto Camp ’23” confirmed for Saturday, October 28, 2023!

“hoshioto Camp ‘23,” with a somewhat more laid-back concept than “hoshioto,” will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

2023 marks the third edition of “hoshioto Camp.”

It began in October 2021 as a way to make up for “hoshioto,” which is held in May but was canceled for two years in a row, in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Fujii Yushi, representative of “hoshioto,” “When we tried it, the weather was really nice and comfortable. Since it’s October, the sun sets early, so you can see lots of stars earlier than at ‘hoshioto,’ which is held in May.”

The starry sky is amazing, so camping is recommended, but it’s not required!

Camping overnight is not a requirement; you can simply come to enjoy the event.

“There are fewer stages, so rather than listening to music nonstop, I hope people will take it easy, relax, and enjoy a gentle taste of the extraordinary.

A star guide called the Starry Sky Messenger will be joining us, and we’re also planning a discussion about music and a talk show featuring a leading festival researcher.

Of course, lots of people come with friends or family, but many come alone, too, and everyone spends their time as they please.

You can get something to eat, enjoy things besides music, and the time just flies by.” (Fujii)

You can drive to the venue on the day, but shuttle buses will also run from Ibara Station on the Ibara Railway to the venue (no reservation required), and from JR Fukuyama Station to the venue (reservation required).

By the way, we interviewed Fujii Yushi, the representative who organizes “hoshioto,” to find out more about who he is and uncover his story.

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