Curuli has revealed the first batch of performers for the Kyoto Music Expo 2026, marking the festival's 20th anniversary. The two-day event runs October 10-11 at Umekoji Park's lawn plaza in Kyoto and will feature seven acts across the opening announcement.

Joining Curuli on the bill are ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, indigo la End, singer-songwriter Okada Tamao, punk rock group Macaroni Pencil, solo artist and former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Hiroji Miyamoto, and R&B vocalist milet. Day-by-day scheduling and additional artists will be announced later.

The festival gates open at 10:00 AM both days, with performances starting at 11:30 AM. E-Plus is currently handling official pre-sales through June 7.

Curuli, who formed in 1996 from a university music circle, founded the Kyoto Music Expo in 2007 as an annual celebration of Japanese music. This year holds extra significance for the band—it marks not only two decades of the festival but also 30 years since their formation. The indie rock outfit has remained a fixture in Japan's alternative music scene, moving beyond band performances to score films like "Jose and the Tiger and the Fish" and "Miracle."

The band's lineup has shifted over the years. After trumpet player Fanfan departed in 2021, Curuli moved to a two-member setup with founding members Shigeru Kishida (vocals, guitar) and Masashi Sato (bass). They released the album "Sensation as a Guide" in 2023 featuring all original members, and most recently collaborated with Italian composer Daniele Sepe on the track "La Palummella" last October.

The Kyoto Music Expo has become one of Japan's most anticipated indie music festivals, drawing fans of rock, punk, and alternative genres. With Curuli celebrating their milestone year and the festival marking two decades of programming, the 2026 edition promises to be a particularly memorable installment.