Experience a Revolutionary Intersection of Music and Art at NU Festival 2026

Discover the NU Festival 2026: A Harmony of Art and Music

From June 26 to June 28, 2026, Takanawa Gateway City and its iconic station will host the very first NU Festival. The event, a collaboration with JR East, aims to turn the entire city into a vibrant canvas of music and art. This urban festival promises not only entertainment but also an enriching cultural experience.

A City Alive with Music and Art

During this three-day festival, attendees can explore the latest venues within Takanawa Gateway City. Visitors will encounter state-of-the-art music and art at the diverse cultural facility, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives. From the electrifying beats of live DJs in station plazas to the serene beauty of art installations, this festival embodies the concept of Next × New × Unity, transforming the city into an immersive space for creativity and collaboration.

NU Live: Cutting-Edge Electronic Performances

The festival will feature NU Live, a showcase of advanced electronic music in collaboration with Spain's renowned Sónar Festival. Notable performers include Grandbrothers, set to make their highly anticipated Japan debut. Their innovative use of custom-built devices will transform piano sounds into mesmerizing auditory experiences. Additionally, synthesizer legend Suzanne Ciani will collaborate with UK electronic music innovator Actress for their first-ever performance together, bringing to Tokyo their acclaimed four-channel sound masterpiece.

William Basinski, an ambient music pioneer, will also debut a unique performance featuring the grand piano model 'Shigeru Kawai SK-5.'.

Other notable artists will participate, including talented media artist Daito Manabe and hip-hop icon DJ KRUSH, creating an unparalleled auditory experience enhanced by a high-quality sound system and avant-garde stage setups. Attendees can also indulge in unique experiences like the „dublab.jp presents OTOJU SESSIONS,“ lying back to truly immerse themselves in the sound, and the soothing “Sound Bath” where participants can feel the vibrations.

NU Art: Interactive Collaborations

The MoN Takanawa space will host NU Art, presenting cutting-edge technologies in art. The creative area Box300 will showcase immersive live installations led by Albert.DATA, where thoughts are transmuted into audio-visual forms. The program also highlights a collaboration between renowned artists and AI researchers, culminating in talks, exhibitions, and live performances. Visitors can explore an array of unique activities, such as Ikebana flower arrangements blending with music and contemporary art performances.

Experience the Vibe at NU Station

At the Takanawa Gateway Station's terrace, the NU Station collaboration with J-WAVE (81.3FM) will happen. This segment features a lineup of distinguished DJs – including DJ EMMA and KO KIMURA – spinning tracks for festival-goers, effectively converting a typical train station into a pulsating music venue.

Enjoy the Nostalgic Vibes at NU Park

Gateway Park directly in front of Takanawa Gateway Station will transform into NU Park, where special performances by artists like Nobuyuki Osawa and Rhym will captivate audiences. Equipped with an advanced sound system and LED screens, this open space invites guests to enjoy the fusion of food, music, and community.

Special Wellness and Music Experiences at NU Connect

NU Connect enhances the festival experience with special collaborations between Takanawa Saunas and Luftbaum’s 28th-floor Garden. A highlight of NU Connect includes an event featuring Chee Shimizu and Kaoru Inoue, allowing attendees to reap the refreshing benefits of sauna sessions paired with the festival's sound immersion.

In Luftbaum's stunning sky-high location, festival attendees can appreciate a unique audio experience as carefully curated artists' music fills the air, creating a captivating synergy between nature and sound.

Join After-Events Featuring Suzanne Ciani

To wrap up the festival, a special aftermath event will feature Suzanne Ciani alongside the Metropole Orkest to present an exclusive listening session, showcasing her latest album in quadraphonic audio. This night promises a unique auditory experience that builds on the festival's vibrant atmosphere.