Japan Underground Festival makes its debut with two days of live music at GRIT at Shibuya

According to the UK music body the British Phonographic Industry, rock remained one of the UK’s most-streamed genres in 2025. Both legacy acts and emerging artists have been recently attracting global audiences. This summer, that momentum reaches Shibuya as the inaugural JPU Records Festival. Eight UK-bound Japanese bands come together for a two-day showcase.

Held on August 1-2, 2026, at GRIT at Shibuya, the festival marks the first Japan edition of the Japan Underground Festival. The lineup features eight acts that have already gained attention in the UK. The bands are represented by JPU Records, an independent label known for introducing Japanese artists to overseas audiences.

Day one focuses on hard rock and heavy metal, delivering high-volume riffs, soaring vocals, and enough guitar solos to keep air guitar manufacturers in business. Day two shifts gears with a mix of vintage psychedelic rock, classic rock, and metal.  It’s offering a broader look at Japan’s contemporary rock scene.

British broadcaster and music presenter Tom Smith will DJ across both days, keeping the energy high between live performances. His long-standing involvement with Japanese music has helped introduce many of these artists to audiences outside Japan.

For rock fans looking beyond arena tours, the JPU Records Festival offers a chance to catch rising acts before they become much harder to see in an intimate venue setting.

Want to see more live music in Tokyo? Check out our list of upcoming gigs from international artists.

Information

Start: Aug 1st 2026 at 3:00pm

End: Aug 2nd 2026 at 10:00pm

Shibuya, GRIT
Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−23−12 B1F, Tokyo

¥5,000

https://jpurecords.com/blogs/news/japan-underground-in-tokyo-1-and-2-august-grit-at-shibuya-2026