Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2012

Promoter Smash took the unprecedented step of announcing headliners the reunited Stone Roses last November—four months ahead of usual. Whether there is enough excitement about the original Madchester unit’s second coming to justify the early revelation remains to be seen. The Stone Roses headline Friday, with Radiohead making their first Fuji Rock appearance atop Sunday’s bill. The big question mark is what Smash has up its sleeve to headline Saturday, but as usual the most interesting and surprising acts are likely to be found on the many smaller stages that dot Naeba.

Naeba Ski Resort, July 27-29 (listing).

The full lineup as of Mar 21:

• ARAAB MUZIK
• AT THE DRIVE-IN
• BEADY EYE
• BUDDY GUY
• BUSY P
• CARIBOU
• CHE SUDAKA
• THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
• ELI WALKS
• ELVIN BISHOP
• ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE IMPOSTERS
• ERNEST RANGLIN
• EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
• FACTORY FLOOR
• GALACTIC with Special Guests Corey Glover (of Living Colour), and Corey Henry (Rebirth Brass Band)
• THE HEARTBREAKS
• HIROMI THE TRIO PROJECT featuring Anthony Jackson &Simon Phillips
• HOWLER
• JACK WHITE
• JAMES BLAKE
• JAMES IHA
• JUSTICE
• THE KOOKS
• LOS LONELY BOYS
• MICHAEL KIWANUKA
• MIMI MAURA
• MY BEST FIEND
• OCEAN COLOUR SCENE
• ONDA VAGA
• OWL CITY
• RADIOHEAD
• REFUSED
• SAKANACTION
• THE SHINS
• THE SPECIALS
• STEVE KIMOCK
• THE STONE ROSES
• THE TROJANS