Rock in Japan founder Yoichi Shibuya dies
The renowned rock promoter and music critic made a "tremendous contribution" to the development of Japan's music industry
News By Lisa Henderson | 22 July 2025
Renowned Japanese festival promoter and music critic Yoichi Shibuya passed away on 14 July, at the age of 74, after developing aspiration pneumonia.
The Rockin’ On Group CEO is said to have played key role in popularising rock music in Japan, having founded the country’s first large-scale festival, Rock in Japan, in 2000.
More recently, he launched Rockin’ on Sonic alongside Summer Sonic promoter, Creativeman Productions.
Born in Tokyo, Shibuya began his music critic career in 1971, when he was just 19.…
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