anoyo is back in Niijima for the fifth time. For the anoyo team that has experienced earthquake, typhoon, and other natural disasters witnessed another miracle this year. 3 days before the festival, a very strong typhoon suddenly appeared in the Pacific ocean. It was heading north and there was a high chance that it would hit the island during the festival. All the preparation was set, and the festival was started according to the timetable. BUT, when our headliner for the first day, SYSTEM7 finished playing, the rain and the winds got stronger and stronger. It was almost certain that the typhoon was going to hit the island.

When we thought about the safety of 1000 people that came to the island for the festival, we had to make the decision to cancel the festival.. We were devastated that we had to cancel the festival on the second day, but we had no time. We had to direct and evacuate our participants from the campsite. Since we were not sure when the next boat would come to the island, we directed over 400 people to the port to get on the last boat. On the other hand, 100 more participants came on the island. With much help from Niijima Village Council, we were able to use the Elemetary and Middle School gym for the evacuation. Then the huge evacuation started..

That night, our assumption came true and a huge typhoon hit Niijima. If we had continued the festival, there would have been a devastating damage both on our equipment and participants. The typhoon passed on the 3rd day, and the island was met by a very beautiful morning. Though the typhoon had passed, the main stage was crushed by the winds, and there still were over 800 anxious participants still on the island.

Then the miracle began. Our staff, which has gone through some of the hardest conditions started to build a new site, and the rumor that the festival was going to happen again flourished the island. The miraculous resurrection of the festival started with OZRIC TENTACLES vs SYSTEM7 and lead to BIG FROG. From then on, it was a party that would go down in the history of festivals. We were met by the most beautiful sunrise and when the festival ended with THE LUNATIC THUNDER, we were met by many smiles on our participants and staff. We would like to thank everyone who took part in this year's festival, and we hope to see you all again next year in the promised land...

All Photos by: Munehide Ida, Asami Uchida, Hatsue, Sukegawa (Overheads), Shimada, Akipai

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