Atop a mountain – a far trek away via gondola from the low lands of Fuji Rock is where the Day Dreaming stage lay. Secluded away from the rest of the festival, it feels like another world. Here, the kings performed – スケボーキング to be exact.

A dynamic group of five guys, three rapped and danced as two others backed them up with DJ tracks. The vibe of the small stage area was similar to that of the underground hip-hop scene back in the 90s.

The set began teetering between screamo and rap as rain began to fall for the first time this weekend. And it came down hard, just as hard as people in the audience dancing. Mixing palatable hip hop tunes with badass Japanese rap, the guys got the party really going. No rain or sunshine could stop the crowd from buzzing along to them.

The grungy vibes continued like it was a secret house party. And rightly so for a set at the Day Dreaming stage. スケボーキング slowed down their set at the end, beginning with a violin interlude as the rain started dripping down again. But again, it didn’t slow down anyone’s dancing, it only fed into the excitement of the scene.