On October 28, 2026, COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 completed its artist announcement with 82 new acts joining the previously revealed 97, bringing the total roster to 179 performers. The five-day festival will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from December 26-27 and December 29-31, 2026, and the newly announced additions include some of Japan's most celebrated musicians alongside rising stars and international acts.
If you're wondering who's playing, when they're scheduled, and how to experience one of Japan's biggest year-end music celebrations, we've gathered all the details you need to plan your visit.
The Quick Version
- COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 features 179 artists across five days: December 26-27 and December 29-31, 2026 (no event on December 28)
- The final lineup adds 82 acts including Koshi Inaba, Hatsune Miku, Kana Nishino, Yorushika, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, and LE SSERAFIM
- The festival takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
- Performance times and specific stage assignments are expected to be announced later
- Payment for second lottery advance tickets is scheduled for November 6-9, 2026
Who's on the Complete Lineup
The full artist roster now spans an impressive range of Japanese music, from rock veterans to virtual idols, pop sensations to experimental acts. Among the 82 newly announced performers, we find Koshi Inaba—the iconic voice of B'z—making what's sure to be one of the festival's most anticipated appearances. Hatsune Miku, the groundbreaking virtual pop star, will bring her signature holographic performance to the stage, while Kana Nishino returns to the festival circuit after her hiatus.
Rock fans have plenty to look forward to with ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, SUPER BEAVER, and TK from Ling tosite sigure joining the bill. The beloved band Yorushika will perform, as will the rising star Ikuta Lilas, whose soulful voice has captured audiences across Japan. For those who follow idol culture, Sakurazaka46 and ME:I are among the additions, alongside K-pop sensation LE SSERAFIM bringing international flavor to the event.
The lineup also includes Suchmos, whose jazz-influenced sound has made them festival favorites; Aimer, known for her powerful anime theme songs; and Kento Nakajima, expanding his presence from acting into the music festival scene. Groups like Da-iCE, Little Glee Monster, Queen Bee, and Monaki round out a diverse roster that truly offers something for every music taste.
Other notable additions include ano, CANDY TUNE, HUMBREADERS, plenty, and Lucky Kilimanjaro, ensuring that festival-goers will discover new favorites alongside established acts they already love.
How the Five Days Break Down
While official stage times haven't been released yet, we do know which artists are scheduled for which days. On December 26, the festival kicks off with ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Yorushika, and LE SSERAFIM among the performers. December 27 features Ikuta Lilas, SUPER BEAVER, and Kana Nishino taking the stage.
After a one-day break on December 28, the festival resumes on December 29 with what's shaping up to be a powerhouse day: Koshi Inaba, Suchmos, TK from Ling tosite sigure, and Hatsune Miku are all scheduled to perform. December 30 brings ano, Kento Nakajima, and Little Glee Monster, while the final day on December 31 will feature Aimer, Queen Bee, and HUMBREADERS as the festival counts down to the new year.
The one-day gap on December 28 exists because Makuhari Event Hall hosts a regular event through December 25, which means some facilities won't be available on the festival's opening day. According to official information, certain food areas and the "Countdown Shrine"—a popular festival feature—won't be accessible on December 26 due to the preceding event's schedule.
What Makes This Year's Lineup Special
COUNTDOWN JAPAN has built its reputation on mixing generations and genres, and the 26/27 edition delivers on that promise in remarkable ways. The inclusion of Koshi Inaba represents a rare festival appearance for the B'z frontman, whose solo work has been less frequently featured at multi-artist events. Meanwhile, Hatsune Miku's presence demonstrates how virtual performers have become fully integrated into Japan's mainstream music landscape—a trend that started years ago but continues to evolve with each festival appearance.
The balance between established acts and emerging artists is particularly strong this year. Artists like Yorushika and Ikuta Lilas represent the current wave of Japanese music, blending traditional sensibilities with contemporary production in ways that resonate with younger audiences while still appealing to longtime music fans. The international element, primarily through LE SSERAFIM's inclusion, reflects Japan's increasingly global music conversation.
With 179 artists total, the festival offers an almost overwhelming array of choices across multiple stages. This creates the beautiful challenge we all face at large festivals: deciding which performances to catch while accepting that we'll inevitably miss something we would have loved. The diversity ensures that whether your heart belongs to rock, pop, electronic music, or experimental sounds, you'll find your people and your moments across these five days.
Getting Ready to Attend
For those planning to attend, the second lottery-based advance ticket application is currently open, with payment for successful applicants scheduled between November 6-9, 2026. This lottery system helps manage demand for what's become one of Japan's most popular year-end events, though it does mean that tickets aren't guaranteed even for those who apply.
The festival takes place at Makuhari Messe, the massive convention center in Chiba Prefecture that's easily accessible from Tokyo. The venue's multiple halls allow for simultaneous performances across different stages, which is how the festival accommodates such a large number of artists. We should expect the detailed performance schedule—including specific times and stage assignments—to be announced in the coming weeks, giving ticket holders time to plan their must-see sets and navigate the inevitable scheduling conflicts.
One practical note for first-day attendees: because of the December 26 facility limitations mentioned earlier, you'll want to plan accordingly for food and other amenities. The restricted access is temporary and won't affect the other four days of the festival.
What People Are Saying
The lineup announcement has generated considerable excitement across Japanese social media and music forums. Fans of B'z expressed particular enthusiasm about Koshi Inaba's inclusion, with many noting that his festival appearances are rare enough to make this a must-attend event for longtime followers of his work.
Yorushika fans are celebrating the band's continued festival presence, especially given their recent musical output and the emotional connection their songs create in live settings. Many listeners have commented that experiencing Yorushika's layered compositions in a festival environment brings an entirely different energy than listening at home.
The diversity of the lineup has also drawn praise, with multiple attendees noting that they're excited to discover new artists alongside seeing their established favorites. Several prospective festival-goers mentioned that the mix of generations and styles is exactly what makes COUNTDOWN JAPAN worth attending year after year, creating unexpected musical moments when you wander between stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 take place?
The festival runs across five days: December 26-27, 2026, and December 29-31, 2026. There is no event on December 28, 2026, creating a one-day break in the middle of the festival.
Where is the festival held?
COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The venue is a large convention center complex that's accessible from Tokyo and features multiple performance spaces.
How many artists are performing?
The complete lineup features 179 artists total. The initial announcement included 97 acts, and the October 28, 2026 announcement added the remaining 82 performers.
When will we know the performance times and stages?
Specific performance schedules and stage assignments had not been announced as of the complete lineup reveal on October 28, 2026. These details are expected to be released closer to the festival dates.
How can I get tickets?
The festival is using a lottery-based advance ticket system. The second lottery application period is open, with payment for successful applicants scheduled between November 6-9, 2026.
Looking Ahead to Year-End in Chiba
With 179 artists confirmed across five December days, COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive year-end music experiences in Japan. The mix of legendary performers like Koshi Inaba, virtual stars like Hatsune Miku, current favorites like Yorushika, and international acts like LE SSERAFIM creates a lineup that reflects where Japanese music has been and where it's heading.
We're still waiting for the detailed schedule that will help us plan which performances to prioritize, but the hardest decisions—which artists we simply can't miss—are already taking shape. Whether you're drawn to the rock heritage of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, the pop appeal of Kana Nishino, or the experimental edges of acts like TK from Ling tosite sigure, the festival offers enough variety to satisfy a week's worth of musical curiosity.
As we count down to late December, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable way to close out 2026 and welcome 2027.
