The early Friday evening at the Blue Galaxy stage was a time of nostalgia and lively tunes, thanks to Koichi Hanafusa. A seasoned music journalist, DJ, and the leader of Fujirockers, Koichi delivered a fun and nostalgic set that captivated the audience despite the competing sounds of SPELLBOUND from the nearby Red Marquee.

Koichi’s set was a unique blend of Japan’s musical history, spinning on two decks with a stack of 45s (7-inch records). He kicked off with an enka (traditional Japanese music) cover of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine”— a delightful surprise that set the tone for the rest of his performance. The set was a musical journey through the Showa era, highlighting the evolution of various genres over the decades.

One of the most charming aspects of Koichi’s performance was his interaction with the records and the audience. He carefully displayed each retro record at the front of the booth as they spun, dancing animatedly with expressive hands and a beaming smile. His joy was infectious, perhaps a reflection of both the nostalgic music and the significance of this year marking his 25th Fuji Rock for the festival’s 25th anniversary.

Among the standout tracks from Koichi’s 40-minute set were “Niagra Ondo” by Fumio Nunoya and “Damede Motomoto” by Kiyoko Suizenji. For the grand finale, Koichi played “Naeba Ondo” by Maruyama Kyoko, a song deeply woven into Fuji Rock’s tradition as the anthem for the Thursday night kick-off party’s Bon Odori (traditional Japanese festival dance). It was a perfect closing to an unforgettable set by a legendary DJ who continues to celebrate and honor the rich tapestry of Japanese music blending with worldly tunes.