Journalist, Line Producer & Filmmaker
German band Powerwolf headlining Wacken Open Air in 2026 – and soon playing Japan for the first time ever © Sonja Blaschke | German band Powerwolf headlining Wacken Open Air in 2026 - and soon playing Japan for the first time ever © Sonja Blaschke
German band Powerwolf headlining Wacken Open Air in 2026 - and soon playing Japan for the first time ever © Sonja Blaschke

Full Metal Japan 2026 – powered by Wacken

On 24-25 October 2026, the spirit of Germany’s legendary Wacken Open Air festival will come to Japan! Two days of hard rock, heavy metal and power metal, with German bands headlining both nights. Looking forward to liaising between Japanese organisers and international artists and VIP guests.

For the first time, Japan will host its own FULL METAL festival, powered by Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s largest and best-known heavy metal festivals. Held on 24–25 October 2026 at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, the event celebrates the international appeal of metal music and the longstanding connections between the German and Japanese music scenes.

For the first time, Wacken Open Air has granted permission for a festival in another country to officially carry the *Powered by Wacken* label – a distinction awarded to FULL METAL JAPAN.

The inaugural line-up features legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker and his band MSG as Saturday’s headliner, while German power metal giants POWERWOLF will close the festival on Sunday, marking their first-ever performance in Japan.

Other international acts include Finland’s Stratovarius, the Netherlands‘ Vandenberg, Greece’s Gus G. alongside Ronnie Romero, Brazil’s Angra and Hibria, and Denmark’s Pretty Maids. Japan is represented by acclaimed metal bands Loudness and Lovebites.

Having attended Wacken Open Air in Germany for the first time this summer, I am particularly looking forward to being involved in its Japanese sister event. As part of the VIP Guest Relations team, I will be responsible for welcoming and assisting VIP guests, facilitating communication between Japanese organisers and international guests.

Tickets for both days still available!

The final line-up of Full Metal Japan 2026 – powered by Wacken © Tokyo Onkyo | The final line-up of Full Metal Japan 2026 - powered by Wacken © Tokyo Onkyo
The final line-up of Full Metal Japan 2026 – powered by Wacken © Tokyo Onkyo

Event Details at a glance:

Event: FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 – Powered by Wacken
Dates: 24–25 October 2026
Venue: Pia Arena MM, Yokohama, Japan
Lineup: Saturday, 24 October: Michael Schenker Group, Stratovarius, Lovebites, Vandenberg, Gus G. & Ronnie Romero
Sunday, 25 October: Powerwolf, Angra feat. Kiko Loureiro & Edu Falaschi, Loudness, Pretty Maids, Hibria feat. Iuri Sanson & Renato Osorio
Organiser: FULL METAL JAPAN Executive Committee, Tokyo Onkyo
With support from: German Embassy Tokyo, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan)

Official website & ticket information: https://fullmetaljapan.com