Fuji Rock '26 Appearance Confirmed! Start Your never young beach Journey with 'A GOOD TIME'
never young beach has been confirmed to perform at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '26. This year in Naeba, they are listed in the lineup for the final day (July 26th), alongside Massive Attack, Mogwai, and American Football.
For those who are curious about never young beach but don't know where to start, the first album you should pick up is 'A GOOD TIME' (2017). By listening thoroughly to this major debut work—which became synonymous with the band—before Fuji Rock, your experience in Naeba will be completely transformed. In this article, we will introduce the charm of the album in detail from a store's perspective.
① CD Standard Edition
② First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD)
③ LP Record (Heavyweight Vinyl)
Why introduce 'A GOOD TIME' now?
In December 2025, never young beach successfully held their first-ever solo concert at the Nippon Budokan. About 10 years after the band's formation, the trust they had steadily built up from the indie scene took a definitive, one-night-only form at Japan's most prestigious venue.
Performed during the encore at that Budokan show was their first new song in about three years, "Dayo" (released February 25, 2026). Described as "a piece that carries the charm cultivated by never young beach while embodying a rock aesthetic passed down through generations," this song sounds like a declaration that the band has stepped into a new phase.
And then, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, they return to Naeba. Fuji Rock is a stage that has been familiar to the band throughout their career. Appearing at Fuji Rock at a time when they have experienced the pinnacle of the Budokan and released new music—I am already looking forward to seeing what kind of scenery this setlist will paint.
Given this context of 2026, the reason for choosing 'A GOOD TIME' as an introductory album is very clear. This album is their major debut work, which earned never young beach nationwide support all at once. It is the record that most simply and beautifully encapsulates the band's musical core. For those experiencing never young beach for the first time at Fuji Rock, it is the best preparatory album.
Also, for those who think, "I want to listen to something, but heavy sounds are too much for my tired ears," this album gently answers that concern. Since the Japanese lyrics come through naturally, it is accessible to both listeners who primarily enjoy Western music and those who prefer Japanese music. It is a rare work that is easy to recommend regardless of genre.
Musical Style
Music Genre:
Indie pop, psychedelic rock, tropical Japanese rock
Musical Characteristics:
・Tropical ensemble woven by three guitars
・Indigenous Japanese sounds directly descended from Haruomi Hosono (Happy End)
・Retro and warm analog-style sound
・Exquisite groove residing within relaxed rhythms
Similar Artists:
・Yogee New Waves: Another indie band from Tokyo. They share a floating guitar pop style and, along with never young beach, led the Japanese indie scene in the 2010s.
・Haruomi Hosono (Happy End era to HOSONO HOUSE): A pioneer who fused indigenous Japanese sounds with the breeze of the West Coast. Often cited as the direct lineage that never young beach has carried into the modern era.
・Devendra Banhart: A US folk/psychedelic artist whom never young beach publicly declares as one of their most respected artists. They share a deep connection, with Banhart even appearing as a guest at an additional show during the 'A GOOD TIME' release tour.
3 Recommended Points
① Somehow nostalgic, even though you've never heard it before With a soundscape that feels both humid and breezy, it's comfortable to listen to in your room or while driving. It is a rare work that evokes the feeling of 'I feel like I've known this forever, even though it's my first time listening.'
② An unpretentious masterpiece It doesn't push itself on you; it's the type of music whose goodness lingers. Even if you think it's 'gentle' at first, you'll find you can't let it go a week later. It has the strength of a work you can live with for a long time.
③ Perfect as a study guide for the final day of Fuji Rock They are performing on the final day alongside Mogwai and American Football. While standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these post-rock and emo heavyweights, never young beach will envelop Naeba with a completely different temperature. Listening to this album will make that contrast feel even richer.
Basic Album Information
・Title: A GOOD TIME
・Artist: never young beach
・Release Date: July 19, 2017
・Label: SPEEDSTAR RECORDS (Victor Entertainment)
・Total Runtime: Approx. 33 minutes 46 seconds
・Number of Tracks: 9
Album Introduction
'A GOOD TIME' is the third album by never young beach and their major label debut.It can be called a monumental work that propelled the band to nationwide fame.
The core of this work lies not in overwhelming the listener with strong messages or technical skill, but in a natural musicality that captures the temperature of the air and the atmosphere of the city just as they are. It doesn't make you shout 'Amazing!' while listening, but rather makes you whisper, 'Ah, I wanted this kind of time.' That subtlety is the album's greatest charm.
never young beach is a band formed in Tokyo in 2014. From the beginning, they were highly regarded for their unique psychedelic sound that evokes the West Coast and tropical regions, quickly gaining support in the indie scene. Their 1st album 'YASHINOKI HOUSE' (2015) and 2nd album 'fam fam' (2016) were both nominated for the CD Shop Awards, earning high critical acclaim.
In this major debut work, that signature style is further refined. The beauty of the ensemble woven by three guitars is clearly felt, making it music rooted in daily life that is too good to be dismissed as merely 'stylish.' It is a natural progression that they have attracted attention from all quarters as an act that has updated the lineage of Happy End and Haruomi Hosono for the modern day.
While the album has the backbone of rock, it also has a strong, approachable folk and country feel, making it accessible to any listener. The guitar sounds are light, and the rhythms are relaxed without being boring.It offers a dual pleasure: it doesn't get in the way when played as background music, but reveals its detailed merits when listened to with focus.
The release tour for this album sold out all 12 performances across 11 cities. For the additional show in Tokyo, a special night was realized with the guest appearance of Devendra Banhart, one of the artists never young beach respects most. This is an unusual episode for a major debut album from an indie-born band.
The reaction at the time of release was particularly praised for the 'approachability of the Shiseido commercial tie-in song SURLEY' and the 'consistency of the atmosphere throughout the album.' The natural goodness of not showing off technical skill, the soundscape that feels like summer, and melodies that grow on you the more you listen. These elements intertwine to create a unique post-listening experience where 'you end up liking the whole album more than any single track.'
From the perspective of 2026, the value of such a work stands out even more. In an era with an overwhelming amount of information, highly stimulating songs tend to be consumed quickly, but 'A GOOD TIME' is the type of work whose charm increases as it is played repeatedly in daily life.It possesses a strength that is not easily swayed by the speed of trends.
Photographer Yoshiyuki Okuyama was commissioned for the artwork, and the texture of the jacket photo is perfectly integrated with the album's worldview. It is finished in a way that makes you feel the 'joy of ownership' not just through the sound, but visually as well. That feeling becomes even stronger when you hold the LP in your hands.
For those seeking intense emotional ups and downs or electronica-style stimulation, it might seem a bit too gentle. But that is not a flaw; it is the very nature of the work.This album was not made to attack, but to accompany you. On a tiring day, you might find yourself wanting to pick it up. I hope you keep it on your shelf for a long time as that kind of record.
Edition Comparison
Recommended Order for Beginners: First to try → (1) Standard CD Edition; To own for a long time → (3) LP Edition; To enjoy the visuals too → (2) First Press Limited Edition
(1) Standard CD Edition
This is the most accessible, standard format. It comes in a paper jacket and includes a lyric sheet. Listening while reading the Japanese lyrics helps you better appreciate the care Yuma Abe puts into his choice of words.This is most recommended for those who want to get to know this album first, or those who want an easy introduction before Fuji Rock.
Price range: Approx. ¥1,500–¥2,500 (including used) Standard CD Edition:
(2) First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD)
This is a first press limited format that includes a DVD in addition to the standard CD. It contains live footage and music videos, allowing you to enjoy not just the sound but also the band's visual side. Currently, it is mainly available on the used market.Recommended for those who want to know the band more deeply or for collectors.
Price range: Approx. ¥2,000–¥4,000 (used market) First Press Limited CD Edition:
(3) LP Edition (Heavyweight Vinyl)
This is a heavyweight vinyl record released as a completely limited edition.The very act of dropping the needle is strongly connected to the atmosphere of this album. The presence of the jacket, the break between side A and side B, and the warm sound image unique to analog. All of these become part of the experience of the work. If you are choosing one to 'own for a long time,' I recommend the LP without hesitation.
Price range: Approx. ¥6,000–¥12,000 (varies between new and used) LP Edition:
3 Recommended Tracks
1. Natsu no Dokidoki (3:39)
This track, which opens the album, combines a sense of speed with a touch of melancholy. The moment the intro guitar phrase rings out, a sunset landscape reminiscent of the end of summer spreads before you. It is a signature song for the band, condensing the unique exhilaration and sorrow associated with the word "summer" into 3 minutes and 39 seconds.I can already imagine what the atmosphere will be like at the venue when this song plays at Fuji Rock in Naeba.
2. SURELY (4:18)
This is a representative song from after their major debut, which was also used in a Shiseido commercial. Its light, rhythmic cutting guitar and accessible melody are comforting, turning ordinary moments of daily life into something special. It is a track that truly defines this album, where "peace of mind" and "exhilaration" coexist.It is also the first song I want to share with anyone listening to this band for the first time.
3. Umibe no Machi e (3:29)
This is the final track that closes the album. The gentle guitar and soft vocals evoke preparations for a journey to somewhere far away. The moment this song plays after listening to the previous eight tracks, there is a sense that the "summer margins" accumulated throughout the album have finally landed in one place.It would be amazing to hear this under the night sky of Naeba on the final day of Fuji Rock.
Full Tracklist
Natsu no Dokidoki
Nanka sa
Kimochii Kaze ga Fuita n desu
SUNDAYS BEST
Shiroi Hikari
Sanpo Biyori ni Futon ga Pata Pata to (Band ver.)
CITY LIGHTS
SURELY
Umibe no Machi e
Artist Overview
Origins of the Artist
never young beach is a Japanese indie rock band formed in Tokyo in the spring of 2014. As their name suggests, they possess a musicality that evokes a distant seaside, and they quickly garnered attention for their unique sound that blends the atmosphere of the tropics and the West Coast into the daily life of the city.
The core of the band's formation was the Tokyo indie scene, centered around Yuma Abe (Vo/Gt). From the summer to the autumn of 2014, bassist Keigo Tatsumi, drummer Kento Suzuki, and guitarist Satoshi Anan joined, solidifying the band's foundation. Later, Ko Matsushima (Gt) joined, creating a unique ensemble featuring a three-guitar lineup.
In May 2015, they released their first album, 'YASHINOKI HOUSE'. Despite being released on an indie label, it was nominated for the CD Shop Awards and appeared on various media's year-end best lists, becoming widely known with the reputation of being the "Happy End of the West Coast." Music media at the time actively covered them as a band that inherited the lineage of Japanese rock from Happy End and Haruomi Hosono into the modern era.
In June 2016, they released their 2nd album, 'fam fam'. While deepening the sound of their previous work, it also expanded the variety of their songs and became a long-selling record. By performing at major domestic festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, RISING SUN ROCK FES, ROCK IN JAPAN, and GREENROOM FES, they gained nationwide recognition at a speed unusual for a band with indie roots.
In July 2017, they released their major debut album, 'A GOOD TIME', from SPEEDSTAR RECORDS. The release tour sold out all 12 performances across 11 cities, and the addition of Devendra Banhart as a guest for the extra Tokyo show strongly impressed upon audiences the band's creative maturity.
They continued to steadily build their career, and in December 2025, they successfully sold out their long-awaited first-ever solo concert at the Nippon Budokan. It was a major milestone achieved as a result of nearly 10 years of grounded activity since the band's formation. In February 2026, they released 'Dayo', which was performed as an encore at the Budokan. As their first new song in about three years, it signals their movement toward the next phase.
Artist Characteristics
The musical characteristics of never young beach can be summarized as "the coexistence of urban sensibility and a simple warmth." They are sophisticated yet not cold. This balance is the biggest reason they are accepted by a wide range of listeners.
The ensemble created by three guitars is the core of this band. The three-dimensional soundscape born from each guitarist layering different phrases has a rich breadth that cannot be reached by simple chord strumming. At the same time, there is a sense of "restraint" and "timing" that does not show off technical prowess. This makes it easy for listeners to layer their own memories and emotions into the gaps in the sound.
Yuma Abe's singing voice has a quality that is effortless and reaches the listener as if it were everyday speech. It is not just that he uses simple words; the texture of the words he chooses, the conversational distance, and the careful attention to the resonance of the Japanese language all combine to create a unique sense of familiarity.
As musical influences, the band has publicly cited Haruomi Hosono (Happy End), Devendra Banhart, and The Beach Boys. What these artists have in common is the coexistence of folk-like indigenous qualities and a West Coast sense of openness.never young beach reinterprets this using the Japanese language set in modern-day Tokyo.
Influence on the Music Scene
The influence never young beach has had on the Japanese indie scene goes beyond just the musical aspect. Their emergence revitalized the debate over the "update of Japanese rock." The attitude of modern youth naturally retracing the path paved by Happy End and Haruomi Hosono in the 1970s has influenced many successor bands.
In the Tokyo indie scene of the 2010s, formed alongside bands of the same and younger generations such as Yogee New Waves, Homecomings, and cero, never young beach was one of the standard-bearers for the stance of "incorporating Western music contexts while cherishing the resonance of the Japanese language."
Furthermore, their existence showed new possibilities for the "form of transition from indie to major" in the music industry. Their method of steadily building support by performing live and accumulating festival appearances embodied a grounded band image that differed from the diffusion strategies driven by social media.Their stance of continuing to release vinyl records in an era dominated by streaming, and their emphasis on live performances and physical media, also carries cultural significance in re-questioning the "joy of owning music as a physical object."
Main Members (at the time of this album's release)
・Yuma Abe (Vo/Gt)
・Satoshi Anan (Gt)
・Kou Matsushima (Gt)
・Keigo Tatsumi (Ba)
・Kento Suzuki (Dr)
※Kou Matsushima left in July 2018. Satoshi Anan left in November 2021. Please check the band's official website for the current member lineup.
List of Studio Albums
(Excluding EPs, singles, soundtracks, and remix albums)
2015: YASHINOKI HOUSE
2016: fam fam
2017: A GOOD TIME
2019: STORY
2023: Thank You
Personal Thoughts
When I recommend an album to a customer at the store, what I value most is 'where this record will fit into that person's life.'
I believe never young beach's 'A GOOD TIME' is not a work to be displayed on a bookshelf, but rather a record to be placed in a regular spot in your life. Playing it while brewing coffee in the morning. Letting it drift through the room with the windows open at dusk. Listening to it while lounging around on a weekend morning. This album shines brightest in those moments.
Because it lacks any 'flashy hits,' your first impression might just be that it's 'gentle.' But you'll find yourself putting it on again a few days later. A week later, you won't be able to let it go. That is why I call this album a 'masterpiece.'
On the final day of this year's Fuji Rock, never young beach will share the same sky at Naeba with post-rock heavyweights like Massive Attack, Mogwai, and American Football. Even if their styles differ, music that is loved for a long time shares a common 'negative space.' The location of Naeba is sure to remind us of that once again.
Before Fuji Rock, make sure you have a copy of this album. If possible, on LP, to line up on your shelf. By doing so, your experience at Naeba will surely take on a different color. Albums that are listened to for a long time have 'negative space' rather than 'stimulation.' 'A GOOD TIME' is exactly that type. Please, try keeping it close to your daily life.
2026 Live Information
FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '26
Dates: July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa, Niigata never young beach Performance Date: July 26 (Sun) Official Website: https://fujirockfestival.com/
Performing on the same day (from the first artist announcement): Massive Attack, Mogwai, American Football, Mitski, Susumu Hirasawa + EJIN, Tempalay, Kenichi Asai, Friko, GoGo Penguin, Japanese Breakfast, and more
never young beach Spring Tour 2026
2026.4.10 (Fri) Zepp Osaka Bayside (Osaka) 2026.4.16 (Thu) Zepp Nagoya (Aichi) 2026.4.19 (Sun) Zepp Fukuoka (Fukuoka) 2026.4.30 (Thu) Zepp Haneda (Tokyo) *Tickets sold out
Tickets: https://l-tike.com/neveryoungbeach/
Standing ¥6,500 / 2F Reserved Seat ¥7,500 / Under 22 ¥5,500
If you are interested in the works, click here
① Standard CD Edition
② First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD)
3. LP (Heavyweight Vinyl)
Recommended order for beginners: Want to try it out first → 1. Standard CD edition; Want to own it for a long time → 3. LP edition; Want to enjoy the visuals too → 2. First press limited edition