People who watch, eat, and run live at Fuji Rock.

Enjoy 01_LIVE An average of 30,000 steps per day. Four days of walking from corner to corner of the Fuji Rock venue.

PROFILE

Takanori Yamaguchi

EX++ Director

After working for a PR agency, he became independent in 2023. He is currently involved in PR and branding for various companies including fashion. He also works as a DJ under the name "TEE" and is a well-known figure in Tokyo's nightlife. His trademark is his mustache.
Instagram:@t_chainz_

You are also a DJ, but this is the first time for you to participate in Fuji Rock.

Yamaguchi: I had an image of large festivals like Fuji Rock as having no room to spare, or as having a lot of people and a lot of work. However, that impression changed when I attended the festival for the first time this year.

How have you changed?

Yamaguchi: Many people, young and old, men and women, came to enjoy the music. Each of them had some kind of purpose for coming, and they seemed to be having a lot of fun and I felt their enthusiasm, which was pleasant for me as well.

Also, people who probably hadn't seen each other in a while were greeting each other here and there at the venue. It was a very funny feeling of community, or the circle of Fuji Rock.

I heard that you participated from the eve of the festival to the final day. Which artist left the greatest impression on you?

Yamaguchi: It was totally Tatsuro Yamashita. It was raining heavily right up until the concert, but by the time it started, it had stopped and it became cooler, making it easier to listen to the music. Everything was great, including the natural phenomena. The afterglow after the show was so great that I felt like I didn't need to see any other shows (laughs).

I was especially excited and moved when Maria Takeuchi appeared on stage for "Plastic Love. It was a legendary stage, to say the least. I am so glad I was able to see it that day.

Tatsuro Yamashita's stage had a tremendous turnout with a record number of people. How were the other concerts?

Yamaguchi: Ego Lappin at the Field of Heaven was great, and Fred Again and the Four Tet were also impressive. Rather than watching a single stage from beginning to end, I just stopped halfway and went on to the next one, taking in the sights as I went.

That's one of the best things about festivals, isn't it? You can watch or take a break at your own timing.

Yamaguchi: It's a way to have fun that you don't find at one-man shows or live houses. I like that it is not forced, and that the audience has a degree of freedom.

Did you have a favorite stage?

Yamaguchi: The Green Stage was my favorite. I thought it was just luxurious to have a spacious area with camp chairs and listen to music in a relaxed atmosphere while drinking. Field of Heaven was also interesting because of its strong cultural flavor and ethnic atmosphere. Each stage has its own character, so it is great to be able to enjoy various tastes and atmospheres in one place like Fuji Rock.

How do you feel about the environment at Fuji Rock?

Yamaguchi: It felt more like climbing a mountain than I expected. Even so, I was walking an average of 30,000 steps a day (laughs). At night, fatigue would build up and it would get tough, but I would still play hard because it was so much fun (laughs).

That's why it is important to choose the right shoes. What do you look for in shoes to wear at festivals?

Yamaguchi: Personally, I think there are two choices: sneakers that are completely waterproof, or sandals that I don't mind getting wet. Also, it was getting tough in the latter half of the trip, so lightness was also important.

This time, we asked you to wear Keen's "Hyperport H2" sandals. How did you like them?

Yamaguchi: Despite the sandals, it was crazy easy to walk. Even on bad footing, I didn't mind at all. I also appreciated the fact that even if they got dirty, they could be washed away with water right away and dried quickly.

The sole of the "Hyperport H2" has a lot of cushioning and is very comfortable, isn't it? And it also provides a sense of hold.

Yamaguchi: They are somewhere between sandals and sneakers, with a heel for a sense of hold and a guarded toe for a sense of security. They are the perfect pair for playing outside.

KEEN x FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25 HYPERPORT H2 ¥16,500
This is an updated version of the Newport, one of Keane's signature models. The most important point is the lightweight and highly resilient EVA midsole, which provides much improved cushioning. These are the annual Fuji Rock collaboration colors, inspired by the natural scenery of Naeba.

The color you chose was inspired by the trees and nature of Naeba, the Fuji Rock collaboration model.

Yamaguchi: I usually wear black or simple outfits, so these are perfect for accenting my feet. The color of the tree camo itself is subdued, so I feel that it "blends in" rather than "detracts" from my outfit. Surprisingly, I feel that it goes with everything.

What kind of situations do you wear them in other than festivals?

Yamaguchi: The design looks like it could be used as street shoes. With socks, they can be worn in all seasons except midwinter. They also look good for driving. Since they are easy to wear, I think they will come in handy when traveling to and from festivals.