Fuji Rock Festival has, against the odds, established itself in a few short years as the premier rock festival in Asia. It's mission was to establish a true multi-day festival out in the countryside where people would gather to enjoy a variety of musical stayles and commune with nature.

The first FRF was (the only one as it turned out) held on the slopes of Mt Fuji itself. Boasting an impressive rosta of rock bands it was literally a washout. Despite the valiant efforts of the crowd and bands like headliners Red Hot Chilli Peppers rock proved no match for the weather gods and it was wiped out by a typhoon. "Survivors" still bore all-comers with tales of the pioneer spirit of the first FRF "back in the day" - but, if pushed, will admit that it wasn't much fun at the time.

Undeterred, the organizers had another go the following year. This time the location was the relatively safe bayside area of Tokyo, and was held as two one-day events to which festival goers would commute. Again an impressive (and slightly more eclectic) line up was assembled, including Bjork, Beck, Iggy Pop, Goldie and the return of Prodigy, There was no typhoon, but bands and audience alike suffered in the blistering heat. The event was nonetheless a success and the organizers again committed themselves to the pursuit of their vision of holding a major festival in a place of natural beauty.