Kikagaku Moyo embodies the relaxed, hippie style that we’ve all come to expect of Fuji Rock. It is no surprise that the Field of Heaven was packed for their performance!

Originating from Japan, this five man band has worked their way from busking on the streets of Tokyo in 2012 to playing shows around the world. Now, after ten years, the band is bringing their exciting adventure to a close. Their Fuji Rock performance is the first time they have performed in Japan in the last three years! And after one more farewell tour in the west this summer, they will play a final show in Tokyo at the end of 2022. This will be your last chance to see Kikagaku Moyo live- don’t miss it!

Kikagaku Moyo’s songs have a habit of slowly building upon themselves like we saw with their performances of Dancing Blue and Kogarashi today. This style lends each of the songs to feel like a small journey within itself. The band members would usually start with a simple percussive rhythm, even using less conventional instruments like the maracas. Then each instrument would come trickling in until finally the vocals and backing harmonies would bring the song to its peak. At this point, all of the instruments could be felt in your bones. Each instrument held its own without any overpowering the other. Lots of audience members that started out sitting ended up moving to go stand in front of the stage when the songs really got going!

The band also played their biggest hit- Smoke and Mirrors which has a lot of push and pull within the song. They played the beginning of the song slower than the studio recorded version- really savoring the build before the “beat drop” when the song’s tempo changes and the vocals come in. Lots of listeners seemed to recognize the song and anticipated these tone shifts with zeal.

Another one of their biggest hits, Dripping Sun, was played towards the end of their set. The use of different percussive instruments really made this song special! All of the band members were really engaged in their own parts and the performance made you want to take a step back and appreciate the vibes of the whole stage. Surrounded by nature on a sunny day, it was truly the best way to enjoy a Kikagaku Moyo show!