One of the most admirable aspects of Fuji Rock is how diverse the performing artists art. Despite “rock” being one of the greatest influences of the long-standing festival, organizers incorporate such a range of musical genres and performers into the weekend mix. Another aspect of this “diversity” is the generations the musicians span over. For that matter, it was exciting to see Original Love, big-time 80s/90s band, appear on the Green Stage at this year’s event.

Takao Tajima, the lead singer for Original Love, appeared in a fashionable, all-white attire from head to toe on stage ahead of their set’s start time. For the man who was initially asked to join the band, Pizzicato Five, back in the 80s was a composer, have truly blossomed into a front-and-center stage man over the last few decades.

Many people know Original Love as a four-person unit (once a five-person unit) as frontier of Japanese pop. After all, one of their greatest hits is “Kiss”. But the element of jazz and funk aren’t even lost in their greatest hit; and they truly delivered a funky jazzy set for Fuji Rock.

As the band entered the stage, Tajima said, “Hey! Fuji Rock! Come on!” which got the crowd going in excitement. The set began with “Let’s Go!” from their ’93 album, “Sunny Side of Original Love”. During “Scandal” the impressive Hammond organ and groovy guitar riffs were the hit of the set.

Halfway through their set is when they finally played “Kiss” which immediately got more people up and out of their seats to get up and dance. Tajima told the audience, “Raise your hands!” and of course, the crowd followed suit in unity with Tajima. The set concluded with “R&R” which brought the elements of soul and rock together for the band.