Sónar, the iconic festival born in Barcelona, is set to expand its horizons with a new event in Tokyo, marking an exciting collaboration with the NU Festival 2026. This three-day festival is scheduled to take place from June 26 to 28 at the state-of-the-art TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. This partnership is a continuation of Sónar’s international journey after the successful 33rd edition in Barcelona, further establishing its global footprint.
NU Festival embraces a theme centered around the concepts of Next × New × Unity, transforming one of Japan’s most ambitious urban developments into a vibrant cultural hub. The festival is designed to intertwine music, art, technology, and urban life across four diverse venues and program segments: NU Live, NU Art, NU Station, and NU Park, creating a rich tapestry of experiences.
In this collaboration, Sónar and Sónar+D will play significant roles in shaping two pivotal aspects of the festival’s programming. Drawing from its impressive three-decade legacy, Sónar creates a cross-cultural dialogue with Tokyo’s innovative artistic landscape. Miquel Trullolls, the Head of Communications at Sónar, eloquently encapsulates the mission: “Since 1994, Sónar has scanned the present and future of music, art, and technology from Barcelona, while building a global community through more than 100 editions and collaborations around the world.” He emphasizes that NU Festival serves as a new nexus for this community, bringing together sound, imagery, creativity, and urban living in a dynamic interplay.
Sónar Sound at NU Live
The NU Live × Sónar Sound segment promises a thrilling lineup featuring a cross-generational array of cutting-edge electronic music. The centerpiece will be the TAKANAWA GATEWAY Convention Center, specifically at the LINKPILLAR Hall, where performers will showcase innovative sounds and electrifying live sets. Noteworthy artists include Actress, whose influence on UK electronic music is profound, as he performs solo and collaborates with synthesizer pioneer Suzanne Ciani under the name Concrète Waves.
Moreover, the festival will feature ambient music visionary William Basinski, who will present a world-premiere performance on grand piano, engaging audiences with his delicate and poignant compositions. Excitingly, Grandbrothers will be making their Japanese debut, delivering a unique sound melding classical minimalism with electronic energy. Other highlighted acts include DJ KRUSH, Nathan Fake, Two Shell, Daito Manabe, Meitei, Sapphire Slows, Sakura Tsuruta, Kyomi, Minna-no-Kimochi, COLA REN, and more, ensuring a vibrant and diverse electronic music experience.
Sónar+D at NU Art
Meanwhile, at MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, the NU Art × Sónar+D program presents a thought-provoking collection of exhibitions, discussions, installations, and live performances. Co-curated by artist and AI researcher Nao Tokui, this segment delves into contemporary themes such as AI, creativity, and automation, offering alternative perspectives that challenge traditional narratives. Featured artists include collaborations from Dentsu Lab Tokyo and Qosmo, Sputniko!, Yutaka Makino, and others, alongside innovative contributions from Alexis André of Sony Computer Science Laboratories Paris, working in collaboration with Kengo Kuma & Associates.
Additional highlights include live performances by Portrait XO and Albert.DATA, as well as discussions featuring Nao Tokui in conversation with Andrea Faroppa, Director of Sónar+D. This interactive approach facilitates a rich dialogue around the intersections of art and technology, encouraging audiences to engage critically with the themes presented.
A New Urban Festival for Tokyo
Beyond the ticketed events, NU Festival will also host a significant free program through NU Station × J-WAVE and NU Park. This initiative will include performances by a roster of talented artists like DJ EMMA, KO KIMURA, Kotsu & Nari, FULLHOUSE, and more, reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility and community involvement.
NU Festival embodies the vision of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY as “an experimental field for life 100 years ahead,” redefining urban cultural experiences. With Sónar firmly integrated into its framework, the inaugural edition emerges as a landmark moment for dance music in 2026. For further information, attendees can visit the official NU Festival site.
