At the altar of sound systems, one stands alone.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Overview
GTC ARTIST ENTRY CHALLENGE is an open call initiative to select one artist for GROW THE CULTURE OPEN AIR 2026.
We welcome submissions from all artists, regardless of experience or background.
The selected artist will perform a 60-minute set on the main stage, joining the lineup alongside artists from Japan and beyond.
This is not about competition or ranking between artists, it is about discovering artists who resonate with the world, sound, and direction that GROW THE CULTURE stands for.
GTC ARTIST ENTRY CHALLENGE is an open call initiative to select one artist for GROW THE CULTURE OPEN AIR 2026.
We welcome submissions from all artists, regardless of experience or background.
The selected artist will perform a 60-minute set on the main stage, joining the lineup alongside artists from Japan and beyond.
This is not about competition or ranking between artists, it is about discovering artists who resonate with the world, sound, and direction that GROW THE CULTURE stands for.
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
・Available to perform at GROW THE CULTURE OPEN AIR 2026, taking place on November 7–8, 2026
・Aligned with the world and direction of GROW THE CULTURE as a collective and label
For details on the event and venue, please see below.
・Available to perform at GROW THE CULTURE OPEN AIR 2026, taking place on November 7–8, 2026
・Aligned with the world and direction of GROW THE CULTURE as a collective and label
For details on the event and venue, please see below.
Other
・All submitted information will be used solely for the purpose of this selection process and will not be shared with or transferred to third parties.
・We may request additional mixes or information if needed.
・For any enquiries regarding this campaign, please reach out via CONTACT.
・All submitted information will be used solely for the purpose of this selection process and will not be shared with or transferred to third parties.
・We may request additional mixes or information if needed.
・For any enquiries regarding this campaign, please reach out via CONTACT.
HOW TO APPLY
HOW TO APPLY
How to apply
Please follow GROW THE CULTURE on Instagram in advance, then submit your application via the form below.
Please follow GROW THE CULTURE on Instagram in advance, then submit your application via the form below.
Period
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 12:00 (JST) - Friday, September 11, 2026 at 23:00 (JST)
Please note that submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted, except under special circumstances.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 12:00 (JST) - Friday, September 11, 2026 at 23:00 (JST)
Please note that submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted, except under special circumstances.
Selection & Results
Results are planned to be announced on Instagram around late September 2026.
Successful applicants will be contacted in advance of the public announcement with performance schedule details and day-of information.
Results are planned to be announced on Instagram around late September 2026.
Successful applicants will be contacted prior to the public announcement with performance schedule details and day-of information.
REGULATION
REGULATION
Submisions
・A DJ mix of approximately 60 minutes (mixes under 50 minutes or over 70 minutes will not be accepted)
・Must be submitted as an mp3 file
・Content should reflect the themes and sound that GROW THE CULTURE stands for
・A DJ mix of approximately 60 minutes (mixes under 50 minutes or over 70 minutes will not be accepted)
・Must be submitted as an mp3 file
・Content should reflect the themes and sound that GROW THE CULTURE stands for
Performance Terms
・Selected artists will receive a fee including travel expenses.
・Details regarding the performance (timetable, setup, sound check, etc.) will be provided separately after confirmation.
・Artists are expected to bring their own equipment. Available equipment provided by the venue will be communicated separately.
・Selected artists will receive a fee including travel expenses.
・Details regarding the performance (timetable, setup, sound check, etc.) will be provided separately after confirmation.
・Artists are expected to bring their own equipment. Available equipment provided by the venue will be communicated separately.
Other
・Applications found to contain false information will be disqualified without prior notice.
・Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries regarding selection results or the selection process.
・If you need to cancel after being confirmed for the lineup, please notify us as soon as possible.
・The details of this initiative are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
・Applications found to contain false information will be disqualified without prior notice.
・Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries regarding selection results or the selection process.
・If you need to cancel after being confirmed for the lineup, please notify us as soon as possible.
・The details of this initiative are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
ARTIST
DJ
akii
Big Animal Theory
Dayzero
Dx
Fracture
Frankie $
Karnage
maidable
Michika
Midnight Runner
mileZ
Neffa-T
okadada
Oyubi
Stones Taro
Submerse
Velocity
akii
NEKOMAFIA
BIOGRAPHY
Tokyo-based DJ and selector.
Rooted in DUB and REGGAE while crossing a wide range of genres, akii has developed a distinctive style deeply influenced by sound system culture. Focusing on heavy low-end frequencies and spatial sound design, her sets create immersive experiences on the dance floor.
She has contributed mixes to international platforms including The Lot Radio (NY), Kiosk Radio (Belgium), and Reprezent Radio (UK). In 2025, she completed a European tour across five countries, performing in clubs and underground communities in cities such as Paris, Geneva, and Barcelona. Blending deep respect for roots culture with a contemporary approach to bass music, her sound continues to attract attention both in Japan and internationally.
Through her own parties and radio shows, she also curates emerging DUB and BASS artists, actively contributing to the growth and global connection of Japan’s underground music culture.
DJ
akii
Big Animal Theory
Dayzero
Dx
Fracture
Frankie $
Karnage
maidable
Michika
Midnight Runner
mileZ
Neffa-T
okadada
Oyubi
Stones Taro
Submerse
Velocity
akii
NEKOMAFIA
BIOGRAPHY
Tokyo-based DJ and selector.
Rooted in DUB and REGGAE while crossing a wide range of genres, akii has developed a distinctive style deeply influenced by sound system culture. Focusing on heavy low-end frequencies and spatial sound design, her sets create immersive experiences on the dance floor.
She has contributed mixes to international platforms including The Lot Radio (NY), Kiosk Radio (Belgium), and Reprezent Radio (UK). In 2025, she completed a European tour across five countries, performing in clubs and underground communities in cities such as Paris, Geneva, and Barcelona. Blending deep respect for roots culture with a contemporary approach to bass music, her sound continues to attract attention both in Japan and internationally.
Through her own parties and radio shows, she also curates emerging DUB and BASS artists, actively contributing to the growth and global connection of Japan’s underground music culture.
VENUE
VENUE
About Venue
Oba Camping Village is a venue featuring several bungalows, camping sites, and a large hall-like facility.
Even if you come empty-handed, there is a free rest area available where you can take breaks and relax throughout the event.
You can rent a camping site to enjoy both camping and music, get proper sleep in a bungalow, or simply take it easy in the rest area and comfortably enjoy the event without bringing any camping gear.
The sound system is powered by VOID Acoustics and has been specially tuned exclusively for GTC, delivering a pure and direct sound experience.
Ohba Camp Village is a venue featuring several bungalows, tent sites, and a gymnasium-style facility.
Free rest areas are available, so you can take a break whenever you need, no need to bring anything.
Whether you pitch a tent and enjoy camping alongside the music, get some proper sleep in a bungalow, or simply rest in the facilities, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the event.
The sound system is VOID Acoustics, tuned exclusively for GTC - delivering a pure, direct listening experience.
How to Access
The venue is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, and about 1 hour on foot.
Musashi-Itsukaichi Station is about 1 hour from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line, and about 1.5 hours from Shibuya Station.
Please use public transportation until 8:00 PM on the 8th; after that, please come by taxi.
The venue is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, and about 1 hour on foot.
Musashi-Itsukaichi Station is about 1 hour from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line, and about 1.5 hours from Shibuya Station.
Please use public transportation until 8:00 PM on the 8th; after that, please come by taxi.
FROM BUILDING FOUNDATIONS TO ELEVATING MOVEMENTS.
THIS IS HOW WE GROW THE CULTURE.
Tokyo:
©2025 GROW THE CULTURE All Rights Reserved
GROW THE CULTURE
Tokyo:
©2025 GROW THE CULTURE All Rights Reserved