’FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26" (hereinafter referred to as "Fuji Rock") is a music festival that drew large crowds of music fans from both Japan and abroad, recording a total attendance of 123,500 people over four days.
We’ve had our fair share of weather-related challenges this year, but that’s just part of being in a field rich in nature. We take it as a gift from nature and make the most of it—enjoying the rain is part of the Fujirockers’ way of life.
The “KEEN POP UP STORE at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL” is set up at the back of the Green Stage. It’s been here since 2016 and has become a familiar sight to Fuji Rockers.
Located just before the entrance gate, at Yellow Cliff, is the “KEEN Run for the Trails Station.” Here, you can try on KEEN trail running shoes, and it also serves as a hub for the Fuji Rock Run.
You’ll be walking along rugged mountain trails no matter what. On top of that, with sudden rain and muddy ground, it goes without saying that choosing the right shoes for Fuji Rock is crucial.
So, when you look down at the festivalgoers’ feet, you’ll notice that many of them are wearing Keen shoes. And it’s no wonder—Keen has been supporting Fuji Rock for over 10 years, since 2015, and has gradually become a staple among Fuji Rockers. Nowadays, Keen has become so synonymous with Fuji Rock that it’s practically the go-to brand for festival footwear.
So, here we’re sharing some style examples from Keen enthusiasts we met at the Fuji Rock Festival venue and during the Fuji Rock Run!
01_Chihiro "Chichi" Sento
(Artist/Actor)
Model Wearing: Hyperport H2 FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26
—What are you most looking forward to at this year's Fuji Rock?
This is TOMORA. I absolutely love AURORA—I love her so much that I go to her concerts by myself every time she comes to Japan. I saw her live at White yesterday, and she was so cute and amazing, and her performance was truly incredible—I was completely blown away. It was just so sparkly! The whole world sparkled!
—What are your thoughts on wearing the 〈Keen〉 ’Hyperport H2 Fuji Rock Festival ’26”?
They were incredibly comfortable to walk in, and I didn’t get tired even after wearing them all day. Plus, the outsole was sturdy—I didn’t slip on rocks, and it was strong enough to protect my feet from even small patches of mud, which made things so much easier. The key was matching the yellow accent on the sandals with the color of my socks!
—What do you look for in shoes to wear to a festival?
Of course, comfort is important, but I also want my shoes to be cute and have features I really like. Since deciding what to wear is one of the joys of a festival, I look for shoes that lift my spirits and make me happy.
02_KENTO
(Store Staff)
Model: Jasper Zionic
—What are you most looking forward to at this year's Fuji Rock?
There are lots of artists I want to see, but my top pick is Fujii Kaze. I’m also looking forward to Satoko Shibata, Sunny Day Service, XG, and Basement Jaxx.
—Is there anything else you're looking forward to besides music?
Since there aren't any big festivals like this back home in Okinawa, I'm really looking forward to getting together with everyone, having a few drinks, and getting into the music. The friends I came with today are all big fans of both drinking and music, so we're definitely going to enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
—Why did you choose “Jasper Zionic” from *Keen*?
For one thing, the design is just super cute, and I really like the rugged suede texture and color scheme. I also love how subtle the heel logo is. Plus, I usually go trekking, and these sneakers seem like they’d work well for day hikes, too. The sole is sturdy, which is great.
03_Takuma Kaneshiro
(Model)
Model: Seek
—What were your thoughts on participating in the Fuji Rock Run?
It was my first time ever running on the morning of a music festival. Unfortunately, it was raining today, but I enjoyed it as if I were running in the shower. In a way, it actually woke me up, so maybe it was for the best (lol). Being able to step foot into the Fuji Rock venue when no one else is there is a unique pleasure of the Fuji Rock Run, and it was a truly special experience.
—What are your thoughts on wearing the “Sheikh”?
They provided a secure grip even on wet roads and rocky terrain like today, which gave me a sense of security. They’re also very cushioned, so I don’t get tired even when wearing them for long periods of time.
—What about the design?
I really like these unique, colorful shades. The bold colors would really stand out at a festival.
04_Shiho Iwazaki
(Pilates Instructor)
Model: Wander
—I hear you’re in charge of the morning warm-up exercises at Fuji Rock Run. How has the response been?
The number of participants has been growing every year. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Fuji Rock Run, and on the first day, 200 participants gathered for a huge celebration. Today, on the second day, despite the heavy rain, lots of people joined in, and we had a fun run with everyone cheering each other on, so all’s well that ends well. I got the impression that there were more international participants this year.
—What's the best part of the Fuji Rock Run?
Running in the morning refreshes me and puts me in the mood to enjoy the day ahead. For me, Fuji Rock just isn’t Fuji Rock unless I go for a run! Even if you feel like you haven’t gotten enough sleep, it’s a great way to start a fun day, so please be sure to join us next year!
—What are your thoughts on the new “Wonder” trail running shoes from Keen?
Unlike the “Seek” or “Rome,” these are trail running shoes designed more for city running, so they’re easy to run in on concrete and gravel paths, like at Fuji Rock. I also like the moderate bounce. I’m a fan of the creamy, subtle color, too.
05_Masahiro Ishii
(Office worker)
Model Wearing: Targhee Apex Waterproof
—Who did you come to Fuji Rock with today?
It's just the four of us: my girlfriend and a couple of friends. We came with the same group last year, too. Since we all like the same kind of music, I'm looking forward to dancing together while watching the live shows. XG is the main reason we're here, and I also like IO, so I'm really excited!
—What's the appeal of Fuji Rock?
I come here because I love the scenery and the sounds of nature that you can't experience anywhere else.
—Why did you choose the “Targi Apex Waterproof”?
I like the thick sole and how lightweight they are. You end up walking a lot at Fuji Rock. Also, while the color is a solid brown, if you look closely, there are subtle color differences between each part that create a gradient—I really like that, too.
06_NEEVO
(Artist)
Model: Jasper
—Who are you here to see this time?
Massive Attack and Angine de Poitrine.
—Please tell us what you like about Fuji Rock.
It’s a place where you can have an extraordinary experience surrounded by nature. This is my ninth time attending, and regardless of who’s performing, I always find myself wanting to go to Fuji Rock. Lately, I’ve even been working just for Fuji Rock (laughs).
—Why did you choose “Jasper”?
First of all, the color. It’s cute that the shoelaces go all the way to the tips. They’re comfortable to wear—they feel like they fit my feet perfectly—and I love how smoothly I can walk in them.
07_Mami Saikawa
(Press)
Model Wearing: Newport Retro
—How many times have you been to Fuji Rock?
This is our second time, isn't it? This time, it's a two-day event, and we're participating in a camper van.
—What makes Fuji Rock so appealing?
It’s a place where you can enjoy an otherworldly atmosphere. Also, I think there are little secrets and tips for making your stay more comfortable the more you visit, so it’s fun to discover them.
—Why did you choose the “Newport H2 Sandal”?
They're safe because the toes are protected, and the design is stylish and cute! Plus, they're super comfortable to wear, and the soles even feel great (lol).
08_Yuji Suginome
(Brand Director)
Model Wearing: Hyperport H2 FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’26
—What's the appeal of Fuji Rock?
It’s a classic festival to enjoy in nature. I love that you can enjoy the music without any restrictions. Right now, I’m really into staying at the campground. This time, three friends and I are camping in a tent from Friday through Monday, and it’s so much fun being able to enjoy the music late into the night.
—Why did you choose ’Hyperport H2 Fuji Rock Festival ’26”?
It really is all about the color. The mosaic-like camouflage pattern is cute, and I really love the color combination of ivory and that earthy green. They're super comfortable, too.
—What do you look for in shoes to wear to a festival?
Since you do a lot of walking at Fuji Rock, comfort is the top priority. It would also be great if they could withstand rain, like today.
09_Kei Nishioka
(Office worker)
Model Wearing: UNEEK
—What are you most looking forward to at this year's Fuji Rock?
It's Riddim Saunter and Khruangbin, who are making a limited-time comeback for just one year.
—Is there anything else you're looking forward to besides music?
I hope I can go for a walk with the same mindset as when I go mountain climbing or hiking. I’d like to refresh myself.
—Why did you choose “Women’s Unique”?
Since they’re so breathable and dry quickly, I figure the “Women’s Unique” model would be a good choice even when heading into slightly damp areas. I own several pairs of the “Unique” model and use them all the time—they’re really handy because I can wear them even in the fall and winter as long as I put on socks.
Photo_Fumihiko Ikemoto
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
