There are many words that are perfectly describe seeing AJICO live. Enchanting, mystical, alluring…just to name a few.

It’s a surprise that this is the band’s first time performing at Fuji Rock, given their 21-year history. AJICO started as a side project for musicians Ua and Kenichi Asai. Their collective sounds and Ua’s haunting presence make for a perfect set at the White Stage, encircled by Naeba’s mountains and unpredictable weather.

Though the sun beamed down while everybody waited for the band to come on stage. One by one, the members quietly set up. Lastly, Ua walked on, dancing, dressed in a cream white parachute pant jumpsuit and neon strings bound all around her hair tied up in pigtails that resembled a sheep’s horns.

The wind pattern changed as soon as she joined the stage, casting thick grey clouds over the valley. The wind danced as swiftly and smoothly as Ua did throughout the hour-long set.

Her eccentric looks paired with her coy personality is similar to that of Australia’s Sia. Similarly, Ua’s voice is boastful and captivating. “She’s like a shaman-figure,” I overheard some audience members nearby. It wasn’t a surprise, seeing how she moved the crowd and Mother Earth while she sang and danced.

Some highlight accompaniments from the set were the bassist Takie’s use of the electric upright bass, Ua’s flirtatious use of her tambourine, and of course, Kenichi Asai’s vocals and guitar.

It was truly about damn time that this band got their turn at Fuji Rock, which is just as mystical as AJICO themselves. We hope that this won’t be the last time, either.