What this is
COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 (CDJ) is one of Japan's premier year-end rock and alternative music festivals, held annually at Makuhari Messe in Chiba over multiple days spanning late December into New Year's Eve. Organized by Rockin'On Japan, the festival has been a beloved institution for Japanese music fans for over two decades, bringing together a massive lineup of domestic rock, pop, and alternative acts across multiple stages. The event culminates on December 31st with a midnight countdown, making it a uniquely festive way to ring in the New Year surrounded by live music. CDJ is widely regarded as the definitive year-end music event in Japan, drawing tens of thousands of fans across its multi-day run.
Who should go
This festival is ideal for music lovers who want to experience Japan's vibrant domestic rock and alternative scene in a high-energy, celebratory atmosphere. The New Year's Eve countdown element makes it especially appealing to expats and tourists looking for a memorable and distinctly Japanese way to welcome the new year. The crowd skews young to mid-thirties and is passionate but generally well-organized and friendly. Book accommodation in the Chiba or Tokyo area well in advance, as hotels fill up extremely quickly over the New Year period.
Good to know
Tickets are sold through eplus.jp and Lawson Ticket (l-tix.jp) β both platforms accept foreign credit cards, and Lawson convenience store pickup is the most practical option for visitors without a Japanese address. Makuhari Messe is one of Japan's largest convention and event complexes, capable of hosting tens of thousands of attendees across its multiple halls, which are used as separate stages during CDJ. The venue is largely indoor, making it manageable in winter, but queues outside during peak entry can be long and cold, so dress accordingly. Bag check facilities are available on-site, and the venue operates a cashless or mixed payment system at food and merchandise stalls β having an IC card or cash as backup is advisable. On New Year's Eve (December 31), the midnight countdown is a highlight, so plan your transport home carefully as trains can be extremely crowded after midnight.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change β verify with the official source before attending.