A new Japanese music festival will be taking place in Southern California to kick off the new year. Zipangu was created with the goal of gathering music born daily from Japan’s vibrant culture and bringing it to the world. On May 16, 2026, the festival will host its inaugural event at the Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
The event welcomes attendees of all ages, and will feature musical performances and special stages by Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, CHANMINA, HANA, MAN WITH A MISSION, Yuki Chiba, and 10-FEET. There will be food and merchandise vendors on-site as well, though no additional details have been revealed at time of press.
Ado is a J-pop singer known as an utaite, or someone who performs without showing their face. In 2022, she voiced the singing character, Uta, in the anime film, One Piece Film: Red, and last year, she sang the opening theme song, “Kura Kura,” for the second season of anime, SPY x FAMILY. She held her first world tour in 2024, and was also the first solo female artist to perform a solo show at the Japan National Stadium. Ado hosted her second U.S. tour, Hibana, earlier this year.
ATARASHII GAKKO! is a Japanese girl group that formed in 2015, and is known for their quirky antics, upbeat and catchy music, and intense choreography. They’re best known for their song “Tokyo Calling,” which they performed at their first U.S. television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Last year, the group visited the U.S. for their own tour, along with performances at famed stateside festivals such as Primavera Sound and Coachella, and this year, they were part of another Japanese music festival in the U.S., matsuri’25.
CHANMINA is a self-made rapper, singer, song-writer, and producer known for her empowering lyrics and artistic versatility. Just last year, she collaborated with BMSG, producing a new girl group project known as “No No Girls.” Even while producing for the new girl group, she also continues to release her own solo music.
HANA is the seven-member girl group formed from CHANMINA and BMSG’s girl group project, “No No Girls.” Already in the spotlight pre-debut, they released their first track “Drop” in January 2025, and later officially debuted with “ROSE” in April. The group has already become the fastest female artist in 2025 to surpass 100 million streams, and they topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 with their debut track.
MAN WITH A MISSION is a rock band that personifies the five ultimate life forms using wolf heads. They debuted in 2010, and have kept busy since, performing solo shows in some of Japan’s most famous arenas and stadiums, and releasing music in collaboration with a variety of commercials, animes, TV shows, and movies. They’ve performed festivals around the world, and one of their best-known tracks comes from the anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc. They’ve toured the U.S. on several occasions, including during their Wolves on Parade tour in 2023.
Known for his laidback rap tone and flow, Yuki Chiba is a rapper that hails from Tokyo. His tracks always feature self-written lyrics that often read like journal entries, and his music crosses genres. He officially debuted under the name “Yuki Chiba” in 2024 with the track “Team Tomodachi,” and that same year, also saw viral success featuring on Megan Thee Stallion’s “MAMUSHI.” Since then, he’s released three albums, held his first solo concert, and collaborated with a variety of brands, games, and artists such as VALORANT, Big Sean, and Feid.
10-FEET is a multi-genre band that dabbles in rock, punk, heavy metal, reggae, hip hop, and guitar pop. The trio is known for their deep and meaningful lyrics, and easygoing personalities. The band is best known for the song “Dai Zero Kan,” the ending theme for the film, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.
Tickets are on sale now. More details and ticketing information can be found at the event’s website here.
