On the Nature of Music Festivals

—Lately, I've noticed that festivals featuring international artists are seeing declining attendance, and the overall impression of music festivals seems to be changing. What are your thoughts on this?



However, on the other hand, I wonder if festivals are becoming oversaturated. Although World Happiness came later, in the eight years since we started, the number of large-scale festivals across the country has significantly increased. World Happiness has traditionally been held on a Sunday in early August, but this is the first year we've shifted it to later in the month. One reason for this was that other festivals are concentrated in the earlier part of the month. Another consideration was the weather.



TakahashiWell, it was so drenched it was like taking a shower (laughs). It was the first time we'd experienced such rain and wind. But even then, PUFFY started right off the bat, getting soaked and hyping up the audience. That really gets you going. They played all hit songs, running around in the pouring rain. The members of Magokoro Brothers even said, "PUFFY's got it easy." Accidents can also be a source of excitement, creating a sense of unity throughout the venue.

World Happiness Hospitality

—World Happiness is known for its minimal stage changes and comfortable atmosphere.

TakahashiThat's right. There are no changeovers; we alternate between the center stage and the left stage. When you have this many bands performing in a short amount of time, that setup works well. I think it's amazing what you get for this price.

—Oyamada-san, how does World Happiness compare to overseas festivals in terms of its unique characteristics?




TakahashiWe arrange it so that performers can interact while eating. People meet for the first time here, and then later they might jam together, or it could lead to recordings or live performances. From the organizers' perspective, it's rewarding to feel that this is a good place for such connections.

—So, the artists also feel a closer connection?

TakahashiIn that sense, we want people to feel comfortable. We're confident in that aspect, even compared to other domestic festivals. After all, the performers' motivation is important.

—You've been in charge of curation for World Happiness every year. Are there any specific criteria for selecting new musicians?



—Oyamada-san, among this year's lineup, are there any artists you're particularly looking forward to?

OyamadaKinukushojo-tai, perhaps. It's rare to get a chance to see them.

TakahashiI'm really looking forward to it too. I wonder how loud they'll play.





—Is World Happiness an event intended to appeal to a global audience?

TakahashiWe don't really have a strong focus on appealing to a global audience. I don't think it's necessary to invite international artists at this point. That might not be World Happiness's role. Primarily, we intend to feature Japanese artists, and there are still many Japanese artists we'd like to invite.

Page 02. Headliner: METAFIVE

Headliner: METAFIVE

—Like last year, you'll both be performing as "METAFIVE." Are there any new approaches this year?



Actually, we often get together for other songs or live performances around the META"THREE" mark, but (laughs). This will be our first live performance since last November, and the playing was so good then, I'm really looking forward to it.



—What is the significance of the three stripes on your costumes?

TakahashiThis is inspired by rescue workers. Overseas, rescue personnel often have three yellow stripes, don't they? It's not inspired by "Hachi-mitsubachi" (laughs). Still, the fact that this group of members is still doing this band is almost a miracle.

—It's also a miracle that all the members have gathered at the timing of World Happiness this year.



OyamadaIt's really just starting now (laughs).




—Could you tell us again about the highlights of this year's World Happiness?

TakahashiWe have a collection of artists, each with their own unique personality. TRICERATOPS is a band we've wanted to have perform for a long time. People often say Clammbon seems like they'd fit, but this is their first time. For LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, I'll be playing the drums. Not as a guest, but for the full set. I'm really looking forward to that.



OyamadaIt's nice when the weather is good. Since the date is slightly later than last year, I think we'll be able to perform in more comfortable temperatures.

TakahashiYes, from a fisherman's perspective (note: fishing has been Takahashi-san's hobby for 40 years), it looks like it will be sunny. I think everyone will enjoy it under perfect weather conditions.

WORLD HAPPINESS 2015
Date | Sunday, August 23rd
Time | Doors open 11:00 AM, Start 12:30 PM, End approx. 8:00 PM
Venue | Yumenoshima Park Stadium
3-2 Yumenoshima, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tickets
Reserved Seating: ¥8,800 / Children (Elementary School): ¥1,200 / Parent-Child Ticket: ¥9,500
*All tickets include a leisure sheet.
For details, please visit the URL below.
http://www.world-happiness.com/ticket.html


TIME TABLE
■ Center Stage
12:30– TRICERATOPS
13:20– SCANDAL
14:20– Maaya Sakamoto
15:10– Kinukushojo-tai
15:55– Schadaraparr
16:50– LOVE PSYCHEDELICO
17:50– Clammbon
19:00– METAFIVE

■ Left Stage
13:00– Charisma.com
13:50– Maki Nomiya with Hideki Kaji
14:50– Masami Tsuchiya [KA.F.KA]
17:30– Controversial Spark
18:30– POLYSICS




Yukihiro Takahashi
Musician. Born in Tokyo in 1952. A member of prominent Japanese music groups such as "Sadistic Mika Band" and "Yellow Magic Orchestra (Y.M.O.)." As a solo artist, he has released 21 original albums. In parallel with his solo work, he formed "THE BEATNIKS" with Keiichi Suzuki, "SKETCH SHOW" with Haruomi Hosono, and "pupa" with Tomoyo Harada, Haruka Kono, Ren Takada, Hirohisa Horie, and Tomohiko Gondo. In 2008, he co-founded the outdoor music festival "World Happiness" with Mitsuo Shindo.

Keigo Oyamada
Musician. Born in Tokyo in 1969. Debuted in 1989 as a member of "Flipper's Guitar." After the band disbanded, he began his solo activities as "Cornelius" in 1993. To date, he has released five original albums. In addition to his own work, he is widely active in collaborations, remixes, and productions with numerous artists both domestically and internationally. In August 2015, he released his self-selected work collection "Constellations Of Music," including unreleased tracks.