Kyoto Music Expo 2026 Adds Suchmos and Hitsujibungaku to Lineup
Suchmos makes their debut at Kyoto Music Expo while Hitsujibungaku returns for a third appearance. The festival, now in its 20th year, takes place October 10-11 at Umekoji Park.

The Kyoto Music Expo 2026, organized by Kururi, has announced the second wave of performers for this year's festival. Suchmos and Hitsujibungaku join previously announced acts including Asian Kung-Fu Generation, indigo la End, Okada Tamio, Macaroni Enpitsu, Miyamoto Hiroji, and milet.
Suchmos will perform for the first time at the festival, while Hitsujibungaku returns for their third appearance. The two-day event runs October 10-11 at Umekoji Park in Kyoto, with gates opening at 10:00 AM and performances beginning at 11:30 AM both days. Kururi will perform at both sessions.
This marks a significant year for the festival, which debuted in 2007. The Kyoto Music Expo has grown into a staple gathering for Japanese indie and alternative rock acts, drawing diverse artists alongside veteran performers. Previous lineups have reflected the festival's commitment to representing multiple genres and generations within Japan's music scene.
Tickets are currently available through eplus, with an official third advance pre-sale running through June 23 at 11:59 PM. Additional artists and day-by-day schedule details will be announced later.
Kururi, the festival's organizers, formed in 1996 within Ritsumeikan University's rock music circle. The band achieved major label success with their 1998 debut single "Tokyo" and has maintained an active presence in Japanese music for nearly three decades. Beyond their own releases—including their 15th album "Transient Yet Beautiful: 12 Variations" released in February 2026—Kururi has contributed music to films and established themselves as cultural figures in Kyoto's music community through the annual festival.
