The launch of Metamorphose just over a decade ago helped bring more choice to Japan's summer music festival season. The event's focus was on electronic-music acts, but over the years it has lived up to its name and broadened its lineup.

"When we started in 2000, there were only rock festivals or psychedelic trance raves," explains festival organizer Mayuri Akama. "That was why I started Metamorphose — I wanted to listen to more of a variety of music outdoors."

Akama notes that at the time Metamorphose was rather "unique," but also that these days there are many more "unique" festivals that cater to many different types of music. Thus, "Metamorphose has changed, too. The music has become more diverse and includes club music, dub, jam and postrock bands, and many more."