Purpose by AK Press
Marshmello, Swedish House Mafia, MEDUZA³ & more to headline GMO SONIC 2026
GMO SONIC returns to Makuhari Messe on January 17 and 18, and 2026 is shaping up to be its biggest year yet. Now firmly established as one of Japan’s leading electronic music festivals, GMO SONIC continues to bridge global dance culture with local creativity, delivering two days of large-scale performances, immersive production, and a crowd that comes ready for every moment.
GMO SONIC returns to Makuhari Messe on January 17 and 18, continuing its rise as one of Japan’s most forward-thinking electronic music festivals. What began as a new addition to the country’s festival calendar has quickly grown into a major international meeting point.
The 2026 lineup highlights that evolution. Day one features Marshmello, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, and GloRilla, offering a broad mix of electronic, hip-hop, and performance-driven acts. Day two closes with Swedish House Mafia, whose return to Japan is set to be a major moment. Meduza³ will debut their live music experience for the first time in Japan, Tiësto as a special guest, Dom Dolla, and more. The programming moves comfortably between house, techno, trance, and crossover sounds, making the weekend accessible while still appealing to longtime dance music fans.
GMO SONIC’s reputation has been built as much on production as on its lineup. The indoor setting at Makuhari Messe allows for carefully designed stages, large-scale LED installations, and a level of visual detail that changes from set to set. Each space is built to feel immersive, keeping the focus on both the music and the experience surrounding it. The festival also continues to spotlight Japanese artists alongside international headliners. Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders bring their unmistakable style to the lineup, adding a cultural dimension that sets GMO SONIC apart from other global electronic festivals. For visitors traveling in from abroad, the location offers an added bonus, Chiba’s proximity to Tokyo makes it easy to explore the city before or after the festival weekend.
Now entering its fourth edition, GMO SONIC is co-produced by GMO Internet Group and Creativeman Productions. Since its launch in 2020, the festival has hosted artists such as Skrillex, Martin Garrix, and Zedd, steadily building a reputation for ambitious programming and high production standards. With its 2026 lineup and continued growth, GMO SONIC is shaping up to be one of the most prominent festivals not only in Japan, but internationally.
Attendees can purchase the final tickets here.
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