GMO Sonic

GMO Sonic: a Japanese electronic music festival that turns winter into a club spectacle

GMO Sonic is a major electronic and dance music festival in Japan that, across several editions, has earned the status of one of the most important winter gatherings of the global EDM scene. Located in the large Makuhari Messe convention complex in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, the festival attracts audiences from all over Japan, as well as visitors from abroad who want to experience top-tier production in an indoor setting. The concept is simple: two days of hard-hitting sets from the world’s biggest DJs and performers, alongside a range of Japanese bands, idol groups, and rappers who bring a local flavor. Behind the festival stands GMO Internet Group, one of Japan’s best-known internet and technology companies, in cooperation with the promoter Creativeman Productions, which is also responsible for the major summer festival Summer Sonic. That combination of a tech giant and an experienced music promoter explains why GMO Sonic was conceived from the start as a high-tech event: the emphasis is on spectacular lighting, massive LED screens, digital visuals, and perfectly synchronized indoor sound, regardless of the cold winter weather outside. The festival is designed as a two-day electronic music marathon, where each day has a clearly profiled structure: from earlier performances by local and regional acts to evening headliner sets by the world’s biggest DJ stars. In the latest editions, the lineup includes names such as Marshmello, Swedish House Mafie, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Dom Dolle, Meduza, and Tiësto, with strong support from Japanese acts such as JO1, Alan Shirahama, or the collective Atarashii Gakko!. In doing so, GMO Sonic has positioned itself as a meeting point of mainstream EDM, trap and hip-hop influences, and j-pop and k-pop aesthetics. The first editions of the festival, from 2026 / 2027 onward, were held at the Saitama Super Arena, where GMO Sonic very quickly attracted attention thanks to a combination of global headliners and a carefully designed visual identity featuring wave motifs, digital networks, and Japanese patterns. As audience demand and interest from international performers grew, the festival expanded to Makuhari Messe, a massive complex in Chiba that is already accustomed to major music and pop-culture events. GMO Sonic’s audience experiences the festival as a winter counterpart to summer open-air events—with the difference that everything here takes place in a controlled indoor environment, which is especially appealing to fans who want full production without worrying about weather conditions. Alongside global stars such as Swedish House Mafie or Marshmello, previous lineups have also featured Skrillex, Martin Garrix, Rosé from BLACKPINK, and Metro Boomin, further solidifying the festival’s reputation as a place where a wide variety of genres and fan bases intersect. It’s no surprise that electronic music lovers often follow the festival schedule long before the event itself and actively look for tickets as soon as the new lineup is announced.

Why should you see GMO Sonic live?

• World-class headliners in one place – GMO Sonic brings the biggest names in EDM and dance music, from Marshmello and Swedish House Mafie to Tiësto and other stars, which means that in two days you can experience more major sets than on most standalone tours.
• A strong domestic scene and crossover performances – on stage, Japanese idol groups, pop and hip-hop artists, and DJs who carry local energy rotate; the audience has the chance in a single day to travel from global hits to new Japanese favorites.
• Impressive production and stage design – massive LED screens, laser lighting, projections inspired by Japanese culture, and carefully developed visuals create the impression of a futuristic club city placed inside an arena.
• A special winter atmosphere – unlike most festivals that take place in summer, GMO Sonic delivers a festival feeling in the middle of winter: the audience comes from the cold outside world into a huge, heated hall turned into a pulsating dance floor.
• Cultural fusion and the “Feel Japan” experience – alongside the music program, the festival often offers zones with food, drinks, and installations that present Japanese culture, so many visitors combine performances with exploring local specialties.
• Audience and media reactions – reports from previous editions highlight a disciplined yet extremely energetic crowd and high-level organization, which is why visitors often emphasize that the distance and travel costs are justified by the experience, and tickets are closely watched as soon as sales begin.

GMO Sonic — how to prepare for the show?

GMO Sonic is a typical indoor electronic music festival, but on a scale more often seen at open-air events. Makuhari Messe is an enormous convention space that can simultaneously gather tens of thousands of people, so visitors should count on long corridors, multiple entrances, and zones with different kinds of content. Although it takes place in winter, once you enter the hall, the atmosphere feels more like a gigantic club than a classic concert: powerful sound system, light effects, and a constant flow of people between the stage, food zones, and rest areas. In terms of expectations, the day usually starts in the early afternoon, when domestic artists and DJs warm up the crowd. As the evening progresses, the tempo intensifies, and the schedule is arranged so that toward the peak of the night the biggest names in the lineup take the stage. The atmosphere is a mix of a festival and a club night—in one moment you can watch a Japanese idol group performance with choreographed dancing, and just a few hours later a gigantic set by Swedish House Mafie or Marshmello with explosive drops. Practical preparation starts with planning your arrival. Makuhari Messe is well connected by trains and other public transport, but during major events you should expect crowds on the platforms and at the entrances. Experienced visitors advise arriving earlier, not only because of entry controls and security checks, but also because it’s pleasant to explore the venue calmly before the biggest rush. Comfortable footwear is mandatory: over a two-day festival it’s easy to rack up tens of thousands of steps, especially if you want to combine different artists and zones. Given that the festival is in winter, it’s smart to plan your clothing in layers. On the way to the venue you’ll need a warmer jacket, but inside, where there are lots of people and the production uses intense lighting, it can become very warm. Many visitors choose a layered combination that they can easily take off and store in a backpack or a locker. In addition, it’s practical to bring a small bag or backpack that fits a bottle of water, a power bank for your phone, and basic items such as earplugs, especially if you’re sensitive to loud volume. To get the most out of GMO Sonic, it pays to study the published performance schedule in advance and at least roughly plan which artists you’ll focus on. Many visitors prepare their own “mental setlist”—they listen through the key hits of the DJs and bands they want to hear live, from older anthems to the latest singles. That makes it easier to follow the moments when the crowd jumps to familiar drops or when visuals tied to recognizable songs appear on the LED screens. Since interest is high and ticket capacity is limited, festival fans generally track lineup and schedule announcements long before the event itself.

Fun facts about GMO Sonic you might not know

One of the interesting things about GMO Sonic is that it is a festival that very clearly connects the worlds of technology and music. GMO Internet Group, as the organizer, comes from the sphere of internet services, infrastructure, security, and fintech solutions, so it’s no surprise that the festival was conceived from the beginning as a “tech-forward” event. On site, this is visible through mobile apps for tracking the lineup and personalized schedules, detailed hall maps, as well as digital content on screens that accompanies performances. In some editions, the emphasis has also been on the “Feel Japan” concept—zones that present Japanese food, pop culture, and artistic installations, so visitors can try local specialties or view visual works inspired by traditional motifs, but displayed within a modern, futuristic framework. Another interesting dimension of the festival is special guests and collaborations that often attract attention beyond the circle of the typical EDM audience. In previous editions, GMO Sonic hosted, for example, Rosé from the globally popular group BLACKPINK as a special guest, while the lineup featured names such as Martin Garrix, Skrillex, Peggy Gou, or Metro Boomin. In this way, the festival offers a blend of k-pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, which is especially appealing to younger audiences who simultaneously follow different genres and fandom cultures. Collaborations between international headliners and Japanese performers further strengthen the festival as a “meeting point” of the global and local scene, and photos and videos from those performances regularly circulate on social media long after the event ends.

What to expect at the show?

A typical day at GMO Sonic starts with the opening of the doors and the gradual entry of the audience into the halls and corridors of Makuhari Messe. In earlier slots, DJs and performers set the tone—from bass and house sets to j-pop performances with a strong visual identity. As the evening approaches, the atmosphere changes: production increases the laser lighting, LED screens display increasingly complex visuals, and the crowd slowly moves toward the main stage where the big names in the lineup perform. In the final part of the night, headliner sets are scheduled, which often turn into spectacles with pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, and massive singalong moments. As for the setlist, each performer maintains their own style, but visitors can expect a combination of biggest hits, new singles, and specially prepared remixes that DJs like to save precisely for festival performances. On one of the days, for example, the crowd can hear Marshmello’s anthems that have been present in the mainstream for years, while Swedish House Mafia or Tiësto in their slots build a set around recognizable melodies and drops that helped them grow into global headliners. Japanese performers, such as JO1 or other pop and hip-hop acts, add additional dynamics—their performances often include choreographed dance segments, synchronized visuals, and interaction with the audience in Japanese and English. The crowd at GMO Sonic is a specific mix of domestic and foreign visitors. Japanese fans are known for discipline and respect for rules, but that doesn’t mean the atmosphere is restrained—during the biggest hits the hall jumps in the rhythm of the drops, and a wave of raised hands and mobile phone lights creates the impression that the entire space is one huge, synchronized audience. Foreign visitors often bring cheering habits from other festivals, so different languages, chants, and improvised dance groups can be heard in the crowd. After the final set ends, the impression most visitors take away is that in a short time they experienced a concentrated dose of everything that makes modern electronic music—global hits, top-tier production, and the specific Japanese organization and audience culture—and that’s why GMO Sonic ranks high for many on the list of winter festivals they want to visit at least once.

How GMO Sonic is shaping the Japanese festival scene

In a very short time, GMO Sonic has established itself as one of the key winter music events in Japan, not only because of its lineup, but also because of a clear idea to connect electronic music with local culture. The festival was launched 2026 / 2027 as a joint project of GMO Internet Group and the promoter of Summer Sonic, with the ambition to create a new format that would mark the beginning of the year and simultaneously encourage the development of Japanese “youth culture”. Instead of being just another EDM event, GMO Sonic very consciously builds its identity through elements of Japanese tradition, visual motifs, and a specific way of organizing that emphasizes “omotenashi”—the idea of hospitality and attention to detail. Unlike many club events and summer festivals, the emphasis here is on a large indoor space where a gigantic stage, installations, a food court, and thematic zones can be combined. A special place is occupied by the “Feel Japan” concept, through which organizers want to offer foreign visitors and the domestic audience more than a music program: in these zones, Japanese food, art, and pop culture are presented, from contemporary visuals inspired by anime aesthetics to reinterpretations of traditional motifs such as waves, sakura, or kimono in digital projections. At the same time, GMO Sonic adopts the logic of big international festivals and adapts it to the Japanese context. Timetables are planned very precisely, performers go on stage almost to the minute, and the crowd moves through the space along clearly marked routes, with a strong emphasis on safety and comfort. In such an environment, global stars of EDM, pop, and hip-hop share the stage with Japanese idol groups, rappers, and DJs, creating a kind of “melting pot” of styles, languages, and audiences. That is one of the reasons why GMO Sonic is increasingly cited as an example of a festival that merges mainstream music with local identity, instead of simply importing a global model without adaptation.

Lineup and program across editions

The latest editions of GMO Sonic show how ambitious the program is. In the current lineup, the two days are divided into clearly profiled units: on the first day the emphasis is on Marshmello, Afrojack, and Steve Aoki, while the second day is carried by Swedish House Mafia, Dom Dolla, Meduza, and special guest Tiësto. Alongside them, popular Japanese groups and performers such as JO1, Atarashii Gakko!, SIRUP, or DJs such as Licaxxx also perform, giving the lineup a strong domestic stamp. Even from the schedule, it’s clear that the festival wants to offer the audience an all-day experience—doors open already in the morning, performances start in the early afternoon, and the peak of the evening is reserved for the headliners. Earlier editions brought a different, but equally impressive cross-section of the global scene. One year the emphasis was on Skrillex, Martin Garrix, and Metro Boomin, alongside the Anyma project that combines music and complex visual installations, while in later editions the program leaders included Peggy Gou, R3HAB, m-flo, NOA, and numerous Japanese and Asian performers. The lineup develops year after year: some stars return, other debut appearances serve as a special attraction (for example, the first Japanese appearance of Swedish House Mafie), and the festival uses the momentum of global tours to bring performers to Makuhari Messe or Saitama Super Arena right at the moment of their greatest visibility. Visitors are often delighted by the way organizers build the schedule. Practical logic dictates that the program rises, from shorter sets and domestic acts to a spectacular finale, but care is also taken with the rhythm of the night: after energetic bass and trap sets, more melodic house or progressive moments may follow, while visuals and lighting track changes in tempo. In recent editions, there has also been a noticeable increase in the number of on-stage collaborations—from DJs who invite guest vocalists to special appearances by pop stars or idol groups in the middle of an EDM set, blurring the boundaries between a “concert” and a “festival show”.

Organization, safety, and infrastructure

One of the things that distinguishes GMO Sonic from many other festivals is the precision of its organization. Makuhari Messe and Saitama Super Arena are accustomed to major trade fairs, sporting events, and concerts, so the logistical infrastructure enables well-organized entry, clear security checks, and efficient directing of visitors to different zones. Informational boards and digital maps are set up on the festival grounds, and the official GMO Sonic app serves as a central place to view the lineup, plan your own schedule, check timetables, and find halls. Safety is an important part of the experience: entry checks are carried out thoroughly, and staff are trained to work with large numbers of visitors. Exits, medical points, and rest zones are clearly marked in the hall. The Japanese audience is also known for disciplined behavior, which further helps organizers maintain order and safety even when tens of thousands of people gather inside. Reports from past editions emphasize that the festival managed to keep the atmosphere highly intense while minimizing inconveniences such as long delays at the entrances or unclear procedures. A special emphasis is placed on cashless payment. Visitors at GMO Sonic can use cards or mobile payments at almost all points of sale, from food and drinks to souvenirs, which speeds up transactions and reduces crowds. Although such a model is increasingly common at festivals worldwide, in the Japanese context GMO Sonic has implemented it very consistently, so many visitors point out that the on-site purchasing experience is simple and predictable. For a festival that welcomes tens of thousands of people over a few days, such a detail makes a big difference.

Audience, habits, and visitor experiences

GMO Sonic’s audience is very diverse. The core consists of young fans of EDM, j-pop, and hip-hop from all over Japan, but there are also more and more foreign visitors who plan a trip to Tokyo specifically around the festival dates. In the stands and on the floor, you can see people in streetwear outfits, fans wearing merch of their favorite DJs, as well as groups of friends who have coordinated colors and clothing style for the occasion. In the front rows are often fans who follow performers at every tour stop, while in the back parts of the hall are visitors who prefer to observe the atmosphere and enjoy the visuals. The Japanese audience is known for being very calm and focused in moments between songs, almost as if carefully watching every detail of the performance, while during drops and recognizable hits an explosion of energy occurs. That balance between discipline and euphoria is one of the reasons why many performers in interviews highlight GMO Sonic as a special experience. Foreign visitors bring a somewhat more uninhibited cheering style, which spices up the atmosphere further—so various languages, spontaneous chants, and even improvised “mini festivals within the festival” can be heard in the crowd, where a group of people has gathered around their own dance routine. Visitor experiences also often highlight organizational details that may not sound glamorous, but strongly affect the overall impression. These include polite staff, clear marking of lines for restrooms and food, availability of drinking water, and tidiness of the space regardless of the large number of people. Many visitors say the sense of safety is high, which is especially meaningful for those coming to a big festival for the first time or arriving from abroad. Comments and reviews emphasize that GMO Sonic is a festival where it’s easy to “get lost” in the music and visuals, but not in the logistics—which is precisely why tickets are often tracked very early, as soon as the first lineup announcements appear.

GMO Sonic as a travel reason to visit Japan

Because of its attractive lineup and the “Feel Japan” concept, GMO Sonic has become a reason why some visitors plan an entire trip to Japan. The combination of a winter date, an indoor format, and proximity to Tokyo makes it easy to fit the festival into a broader itinerary: part of the audience arrives a few days earlier to see tourist attractions, and then reserves the weekend for the festival. Makuhari Messe is located in Chiba Prefecture, but it is well connected by train and other public transport lines with central Tokyo and Narita and Haneda airports, so the trip can be organized easily even for visitors coming to Japan for the first time. For that type of audience, GMO Sonic functions as a kind of “hub” of contemporary Japanese culture: in a few days they can experience world-class DJs, see what a Japanese festival crowd looks like, try local food, and observe how tradition and contemporary culture intertwine in scenography and performances. Many travelers point out that the winter date is an additional advantage—the city isn’t overheated like in summer, and the festival provides a safe, climate-controlled space where you can spend the whole day without worrying about rain or high temperatures. In that sense, GMO Sonic logically builds on Japan’s image as a destination for lovers of pop culture, anime, gaming, and technology. For visitors who already know summer festivals such as Summer Sonic, GMO Sonic is interesting as a “winter version” with an emphasis on electronic music and top-tier production. For those just discovering the Japanese scene, the festival is an entry point: a first contact with local performers, a specific audience, and a way of organizing, after which many people want to explore other events in the country as well.

How GMO Sonic differs from other festivals

Although the EDM scene worldwide is full of festivals with big names, GMO Sonic differs in several key elements that visitors often cite as reasons why they put it high on their priority list.

• An indoor format in a winter time slot – most large festivals take place outdoors in summer, while GMO Sonic offers a festival feeling indoors, with controlled conditions and production that is not limited by weather.
• A strong emphasis on Japanese culture – the “Feel Japan” concept and the use of traditional motifs, performances, and the “omotenashi” approach distinguish the festival from “copy-paste” events that simply replicate a global model without local character.
• A combination of global headliners and domestic performers – on the same stage and on the same day, you can see Marshmello, Swedish House Mafia, or Tiësto, but also JO1, Atarashii Gakko!, or other Japanese performers, creating a unique mix of fan bases.
• Top-tier visual and sound production – laser installations, large LED screens, pyrotechnics, and advanced stage design evolve from edition to edition, which is clearly visible in aftermovie videos and festival reports.
• Organization and visitor comfort – cleanliness of the space, clear signage, cashless payment, and staff attentiveness raise the level of comfort, which is important for an event of this scale.
• Accessibility for a younger audience – through special ticket categories for young people and a focus on “youth culture”, GMO Sonic positions itself as a festival where new generations of electronic music lovers grow up.

Thanks to all these elements, GMO Sonic has, in just a few editions, become a reference point for discussions about what a modern festival should look like when it comes to the blend of music, production, and cultural identity. From the performers’ perspective, it is a stage on which they can present themselves to a global audience in a country that has extremely demanding, but also very loyal fans. From the audience’s perspective, it is an event where, in a few days, they can experience a cross-section of the world’s EDM elite, with a unique Japanese backdrop.

GMO Sonic in the future

As the festival continues to grow, it’s clear that GMO Sonic is not satisfied with merely repeating a proven formula. Each new edition brings advances in visuals, scheduling, and content beyond the main stage itself. Plans increasingly emphasize the idea of GMO Sonic becoming a lasting symbol of the winter start of the music year, an event that, along with Summer Sonic, forms the backbone of Japan’s festival calendar year. If it continues to attract global stars while simultaneously building space for domestic and regional performers, the festival will further strengthen its reputation as an unmissable stop on the world dance music map. For visitors who already follow GMO Sonic, each new lineup is an opportunity to dive again into the combination of music and visual spectacle that has made the festival recognizable. For those just discovering it, GMO Sonic is an invitation into a world where the pulse of a classic EDM festival meets Japanese precision, technology, and aesthetics. It’s a combination that leaves a strong impression and is why many people, after their first visit, want to return—either as part of the local audience or as travelers who plan their next trip to Japan precisely around the dates of this festival. Sources: - sonic.gmo – the official GMO Sonic festival website with information about the program, lineup, and the “Feel Japan” concept. - That Festival Site – a portal with festival news, an overview of schedules and sets for the latest edition of GMO Sonic. - That Eric Alper – a music portal with announcements of GMO Sonic’s return to Makuhari Messe and a description of the main headliners. - NiEW – a media outlet dedicated to culture and music in Asia and Japan, with articles about GMO Sonic and its role in the development of the dance scene. - iFLYER – a Japanese music portal with detailed announcements of performers such as Marshmello, Swedish House Mafie, Meduza, and Tiësto at GMO Sonic. - YouTube channel GMO SONIC – official videos, aftermovie materials, and live clips that show the production, audience, and atmosphere of the festival.