Fuji Rock Festival is not just a celebration of music and culture; it’s also a platform for activism and social change. This year, the NGO Village once again demonstrated the festival’s commitment to important global issues, featuring dedicated non-profits showcasing their impactful work.

Fuji Rock has always been a festival with a strong political stance, exemplified by partnerships with activists and politically conscious artists like Man on a Mission and Saturday’s headliner, Kraftwerk. This year, the ongoing Palestine-Gaza conflict (2023 Israel-Hamas War) was a significant influence, with Palestinian flags visible in the crowd and on stage—a rare sight at a Japanese festival where flags are not typically prominent.

The NGO Village featured several booths encouraging support for various activist movements. Greenpeace and Climate Life focused on environmental sustainability, while No Nukes addressed Japan’s nuclear history, including Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Fukushima. Among these, the Médecins du Monde Japon (MdM) booth stood out, offering a glimpse into the crucial work they do in regions affected by political unrest and war.

Médecins du Monde provides life-saving medical aid and fosters medical professionals in war-torn areas. This year, their booth emphasized support for Palestine-Gaza, where the current conflict began less than a year ago. Their efforts go beyond physical medical support; they also offer mental health aid, particularly for children affected by the trauma of war. This dual focus on physical and mental wellness is vital, as it addresses the often-overlooked psychological impact of conflict.

MdM educates and empowers local citizens with medical skills to help one another, ensuring sustainable support even in the absence of outside aid. Their work includes providing counseling services and bringing moments of joy and hope to children during these difficult times. At their booth, they engaged festival-goers by offering face painting of Fuji Rock’s mascot, Gon-chan, and accepting donations to directly support their cause.

The NGO Village at Fuji Rock Festival 2024 may not always get the recognition it deserves, but the dedicated non-profits like Médecins du Monde Japon continue to make a significant impact. They remind us of the festival’s deep-rooted beliefs in activism and the importance of supporting global humanitarian efforts.