Previously playing at Fuji Rock in 2018 at the same stage ‘Field of Heaven’, instrumental band toconoma returns to the Fuji stage.

Quite possibly one of the hottest (temperature wise, that is) sets I’ve attended, toconoma kicked off the second day of the festival with nice instrumental tunes that had being jamming both on their feet and in their seats.

Referring to themselves as “weekend band-men”, toconoma is made up of office workers who continue their salary men lifestyle on weekdays, and carry out band activities on weekends. While they have gained quite notable success in their music career, such as performing at various festivals like Greenroom, Asagiri Jam, Fuji Rock, etc., toconoma do not necessarily feel the need to quit their day jobs. Therefore, they carry out a hybrid lifestyle, which makes them just like anyone in the crowd, who works a ‘conventional’ job by day, but perhaps is involved with music activities on the side as passion projects. In this sense, I think toconoma is a really great inspiration to many people, and it makes sense why they have garnered such a strong and loving fanbase towards them.

As I sat in my foldable char at Field of Heaven, sipping on a nice fresh OJ, I was impressed with their technique and ability to create not only music that requires a lot of technical skill, but also cultivate an overall relaxing and welcoming presence with the audience. There was no gap between the listener and the performer. The melodies of the keyboard spread throughout the area. I felt quite relaxed the whole time while listening to their set.

As I read a few interviews on them after their show, I found it really unique and cool how the members of the band are very proud of living the dual life of corporate job by weekday, instrumental band by weekend. This really gives anyone the inspiration that they can do it too, and don’t necessarily need to quit their job in the process.