With their rudimentary synths, wiry guitar hooks, dazzling fashion and the insane barked vocals of Chica Sato and Hajime Tachibana, Plastics were Japan's quintessential late 1970s new-wave band, finding fans in contemporaries Devo and The B-52's. Their re-formation comes as neo wave and nu rave spill into the mainstream, throwing up such pop icons as Lady Gaga and a return from Devo. Though Sato sadly won't be present, expect a performance-heavy show.
Also check out: The all-Japanese bill includes venerable rock icon Eikichi Yazawa, electro-rock heavyweights Boom Boom Satellites, mod mademoiselles Kinoco Hotel, Sapporo's hip-hop heroes Tha Blue Herb, electro pioneer Takkyu Ishino, newly grownup ska chicklets Oreskaband, emo-metallers 9mm Parabellum Bullet and a rare set from art-pop unit Soutaiseiriron.
The setting: Rising Sun is the favorite festival of most bands that play it. It's also one of Japan's most intimate: stages are visible from some camp sites. Being 15 km from Sapporo means cool breezes, and all-night stages on Saturday ensure the festival will live up to its name.
When/where: Aug. 13-15 (morning); Tarukawa Wharf, Ishikari Bay New Port, Hokkaido. Tickets: ¥18,000 or ¥18,500-¥21,000 including camping. Saturday tickets: ¥12,500. For details, visit rsr.wess.co.jp