Rural Act'26 Outdoor Music Festival Returns to Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto; First Wave of Artists Announced and Tickets Go on Sale

Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is steadily recovering from the July 2020 heavy rain disaster. The outdoor music festival 'Rural Act,' born alongside this recovery, garnered significant attendance and empathy at its inaugural event last year. This year, its continuation has been decided, and ticket sales begin today. The venue will once again be the 'Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins Furusato Historical Plaza' within the grounds of Hitoyoshi Castle, one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles, gathering active artists from across the nation. With the belief 'Trust in the power of music, never give up on the future of rural areas,' 'Rural Act = a miracle caused by country folk' evolves from last year's first step into an even larger wave this year. ■ First Wave of Performers for Rural Act'26 Announced! The first wave of announced artists are all established performers who continue to create unique expressions in the Japanese music scene. The lineup features a diverse range of genres: Kimyoritaro BAND with their soulful vocals and unique presence; Zainichi Funk, captivating audiences with powerful live performances centered on funk music; Schadaraparr, who have led the Japanese hip-hop scene from its early days to the present; and AAAMYYY, an artist gaining attention both domestically and internationally. ■ A Space to Experience the Charm of Hitoyoshi In addition to the live stage, the venue will feature a food area where visitors can enjoy local cuisine. Furthermore, the booth offering Kuma Shochu, which has received Geographical Indication (GI) certification, will be expanded from last year. To ensure families with children can enjoy the event safely, the number of attendees will be limited to provide a comfortable environment for everyone. A key feature of this event is the space where visitors can spread out tents and blue sheets and enjoy the festival in their own style. The aim is to create a venue where attendees can fully experience the charm of this region—not just through music, but also through food, history, culture, and the natural atmosphere of Hitoyoshi—offering experiences unavailable in the city. ■ Event Overview Title: Rural Act'26 Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026 Doors Open: 9:00 AM / Show Starts: 11:00 AM (scheduled) Venue: Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins Furusato Historical Plaza Official Website: https://ruralact.com/ Organizers: General Incorporated Association Razo LABO / Rural Act Executive Committee Planning Cooperation: Amano Planning Inquiries: Please contact via the official website. Rural Act'26 Official Instagram (@ruralact_hitoyoshi) TikTok (@ruralact25) YouTube ■ Ticket Information General Admission Ticket General Admission Ticket: 7,980 yen (tax included) *Free for junior high school students and younger (must be accompanied by a guardian or equivalent adult with a general admission ticket). Tickets on sale now via e-plus. Application URL: https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/4545830001-P0030001 Notes on Ticket Purchase: Please be sure to check the terms and conditions on the ticket page before applying. ■ Video Release: Rural Act'25 After Movie https://youtu.be/nuLr8nGx-XE?si=QA0cCpRhjlrIaYg- ■ Message from the Organizers The Hitoyoshi-Kuma region, including the host city of Hitoyoshi, is known as the 'Little Kyoto of Kyushu,' blessed with the rich nature of the Kuma River, a first-class river, and steeped in the history and culture nurtured as the castle town of the Sagara clan. Recovery from the July 2020 heavy rain disaster is progressing steadily, but challenges such as population decline and aging persist, requiring new initiatives for the region's future. Last year's 'Rural Act' was attended by many, and we received numerous requests for its continuation. This year, we are responding to those hopes and taking a new step forward with our second edition. Our goal is not only for people to visit Hitoyoshi through music but also to experience the charm of its townscape, food, hot springs, and other attractions, making it a place they want to visit again. We hope this festival will become a regular event that continues to convey the region's appeal, creating a flow of people and contributing to sustainable community development. We apologize for any inconvenience due to limited public transportation, but we aim to create a venue worth visiting, and we sincerely look forward to welcoming you all. From all the staff of Rural Act'26