[Interview] Taiku Kimishima (FUJI & SUN '26)

2026/4/15 (Wed)

I like the way the sound jumps when it's a little humid.
I want to sing a new song at the venue.

Musician and guitarist Oozora Kimishima held TOKYO of the "Night Show Tour: Theatrical Version - Song of the Shore" at the Tokyo Garden Theater on January 23rd, the largest venue he has ever performed at. His versatile performance in an ensemble format with Shuta Nishida, Kazuki Arai, and Shun Ishiwaka was truly magnificent, and it made one feel anew the richness and preciousness of the act of immersing oneself in music. It will undoubtedly be a very important page in Kimishima's career.

"That day was the culmination of all the time we'd spent practicing together since releasing our first EP (Afternoon Reflected Light) in 2019, and continuing through the past year. Since that day, I've felt an exhilaration, as if a new era is beginning from that point. I've been able to write songs since then. I think it's because the tension I'd been feeling finally eased. Every day I think about what I can say to each and every person in that scene, and to myself."

Kimijima will be performing at the camp-in music festival "FUJI & SUN '26," held on June 6th and 7th at Fujisan Kodomo no Kuni in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. "FUJI & SUN" is characterized by its genre-less lineup where overground and underground artists blend exquisitely, and its unique content that awakens dormant adventurous spirits. The outdoor market area (WORLDVIEW SESSION) brings together popular outdoor brands, and goods that enhance the enjoyment of the camp festival can be easily purchased at the venue. The market area (HERE&THERE MARKET) also brings together wonderful ideas from all over Japan to make everyday life more enjoyable. Of course, the location, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature of Mt. Fuji, is also noteworthy. Kimijima has performed at this festival three times in the past, in 2021, 2023, and 2025, and is now a regular. Kimijima is active in various performance formats, but the delicate expression that comes from "solo performance," which is different from "ensemble performance," matches the atmosphere of the venue.

"FUJI & SUN has the impression of a solemn festival, and it's a festival I really love. Perhaps it's because the venue is in a mountainous area that is so typical of Japan. I like how everyone is grounded in their daily lives and filled with a sense of 'we've come this far.' Also, I was saved from the heat many times by the bonfires on the road in front of the main stage. When I performed there last year, it was drizzling, and when I looked straight ahead from the stage, there was a swirling mist-like light rising in front of the mountainside. I like how the sound carries when it's a little humid, and combined with the scent of spring, it's a very happy memory for me."

This year, in addition to Kimishima, the lineup includes Quruli, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary, Humbert Humbert, whose theme song "Waratta Korondari" for the NHK serial drama "Bakebake" became a big hit and who also appeared on the year-end "Kohaku Uta Gassen," as well as cero, never young beach, Satoko Shibata, and Kimyo Reitaro. The list also includes names of people who have connections with Kimishima, such as Shun Ishiwaka, who will be performing as a member of JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ in FJSN, and Misaki Umei. Kimishima commented on the lineup:"I get the impression that it's a diverse group of musicians who share a broad sensibility."He also told us that, in this perfect season as spring transitions into summer, we hope you will take your time to fully enjoy this extraordinary moment, basking in the energy of abundant nature and accompanied by wonderful music.

"Mountain weather is unpredictable, so please make sure you're well-prepared for the cold. I hope to be able to sing some new songs at the venue. Thank you for your support this year as well."