Summer Sonic 2015

Held in the concrete expanses of Chiba's QVC Marine Field and Makuhari Messe, a half-hour train ride from Tokyo Station, Summer Sonic makes up in convenience for what it lacks in atmosphere. As is to be expected from this most commercial of festivals, the lineup again looks confusingly random – but at least it's packed with a fair amount of star power. Pharrell Williams will obviously be the most hyped name, while '90s kids can revisit their formative years thanks to the likes of Marilyn Manson, The Chemical Brothers and Manic Street Preachers. Fresher faces include chart-toppers Ariana Grande, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Imagine Dragons and All Time Low, with soul shredder D'Angelo, wicked British punks Marmozets and Summer Sonic regulars The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion offering something to look forward to for those with more, hm, discerning tastes. The full lineup can be found here. Early-bird tickets can be booked now, while general sale starts on May 30.

As with previous years, the weekend's festival is preceded by an all-night dance party, Sonicmania, on Friday.