Edo Wonderland's 40th Anniversary Challenge! "The Shogun Likes Rock." - Prelude to an Unprecedented Music Festival - to be Held for Three Days Starting July 18th This Summer! SUGIZO, "shake" Takehiko Kogure, and Reiichi "CHABO" Nakaido Descend Upon Edo's Hinoki Stage!

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) will launch "EDO ROCK FESTIVAL," its first full-scale rock music festival in its history, in 2026, the year of its 40th anniversary. As a commemorative prelude, we are pleased to announce the special event "The Shogun Likes Rock. ~Introduction of EDO ROCK FESTIVAL~" to be held for three days from Saturday, July 18 to Monday, July 20, 2026.

■ Edo Wonderland's New Challenge for its 40th Anniversary: What is "EDO ROCK FESTIVAL"?
Since its opening in 1986, Edo Wonderland has provided an immersive space where visitors can experience the culture and life of the Edo period. For its 40th anniversary, we are challenging ourselves to fuse "traditional Edo culture" with the "spirit of modern rock." This festival was conceived from the inspiration of three individuals: world-renowned guitarist SUGIZO, producer/director and our esteemed "O-metsuke" (senior official) Naoki Tachikawa, and Edo Wonderland representative Ryoichi Yuki, regarding the "affinity between electronic guitars and swords." A rock festival for guitarists who swap swords for guitars to express their strong convictions. To mark the beginning of this grand project, we will deliver three special days this summer.

■ Over 10 Million Yen Worth of High-End Audio Appears on the Hinoki Stage of the Renovated "SHOGUN THEATRE".
The stage for this event will be the newly renovated "SHOGUN THEATRE" (formerly the Cultural Film Hall). A special installation of Technics' highest-end audio system, valued at over 10 million yen, will be set up on the solemn Hinoki stage. Experience legendary guitarists' performances etched in rock history, reproduced in an overwhelming acoustic space that leaves listeners exclaiming, "It's like magic!" This is an unprecedented "SUPER AUDIO LIVE & TALK" event, enjoyed with special talks that can only be heard here.

■ Event Outline and Ticket Information

Event Name: "The Shogun Likes Rock. ~Introduction of EDO ROCK FESTIVAL~"

Dates: Saturday, July 18, Sunday, July 19, Monday, July 20, 2026

Time: 15:30 - 17:00

Venue: "SHOGUN THEATRE" within Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village

Content: Reproduction of legendary rock guitarists' performances with Technics' top-tier audio & Special talk show with Naoki Tachikawa and guest artists

Ticket Prices: Adults ¥5,500 (tax included) / Children ¥2,700 (tax included)

*Includes [40th Anniversary Commemorative] 1-Day Passport + Special Event "The Shogun Likes Rock." Admission Set Ticket.

Sales Method: Online purchase available on the official sales page (KKday) until the event day. *Depending on advance purchase status, on-site sales may be canceled. We recommend purchasing in advance online to ensure participation. *If cancellations occur, tickets may be available for purchase on the official sales page (web) even on the event day.

Ticket Sales: Accepted via the official sales page (KKday) *Purchase is available from the official Edo Wonderland website.

https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/129611?cid=13231&ud1=officialsite

Ticket Release Date: June 11, 2026 (Thursday) 10:00 AM - Simultaneous sale begins

【Artist Profiles】

July 18 (Sat): SUGIZO - Composer, Guitarist, Violinist, Music Producer

Active globally as a member of Japan's leading rock bands LUNA SEA, X JAPAN, and THE LAST ROCKSTARS.

Simultaneously pursues his unique electronic music as a solo artist and has produced numerous film and stage soundtracks.

In 2020, he restarted the psychedelic jam band SHAG after a 12-year hiatus.

In 2022, he launched his apparel brand "THE ONENESS," advocating for rock-inspired ethical fashion that balances environmental consideration with high aesthetic standards.

In parallel with his music, he actively engages in peace activities, human rights and refugee support, renewable energy and environmental initiatives, and disaster-stricken area volunteer work. He is known as an activist.

July 19 (Sun): "shake" Takehiko Kogure - Guitarist, Songwriter, Music Producer

After working as the original guitarist for Rebecca in the 1980s, he formed RED WARRIORS. He develops his unique musical world based on R&R, blues, acoustic, and psychedelic rock, and has been active in a wide range of fields, mainly focusing on solo activities incorporating literary elements in recent years.

July 20 (Mon/Holiday): Reiichi "CHABO" Nakaido - Guitarist, Singer-Songwriter

Led the Japanese rock scene as the guitarist for RC Succession, known as "CHABO." He has long been supported for his emotionally rich guitar playing and singing, rooted in blues. In his solo activities, he continues to pursue highly flexible musical endeavors, including acoustic live performances and spoken-word expressions.

*Producer Naoki Tachikawa will serve as the navigator for each artist on all days.

【Message from Ryoichi Yuki, Shogun of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village】

As we reach the significant milestone of our 40th anniversary, we have been exploring new possibilities for Edo Wonderland. There is a shared aesthetic in the spirit that connects the "sword," carried as the soul by samurai, and the "electronic guitar," through which modern artists express their emotions. Please experience these three miraculous days where authentic sound and soul collide on the Hinoki stage of the newly renovated SHOGUN THEATRE.

【Message from Naoki Tachikawa, O-metsuke of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village】

When the opening commemorative special event was held at the newly transformed SHOGUN THEATRE, everyone was captivated by the magical resonance of Pink Floyd's music. The idea of holding a "rock festival exclusively for guitarists" had been around for several years, and it is finally moving towards realization. To begin, we decided to hold this event to prove the affinity between rock and Edo/samurai culture. The power generated when guitars and Japanese swords are placed side-by-side was intuitively demonstrated last year at the limited-time event "Edo Music Tea House" held in Nihonbashi. This event will feature unrestrained talks and powerful record (audio) live performances, much like the synergy between guitars and swords.