MINMI’s Freedom LA Festival Debut Brings Over 50,000 Fans Together
- Jessica Ross
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Jessica Ross
Japanese music icon MINMI made waves in Southern California with the highly anticipated U.S. debut of her Freedom LA music festival. The dazzling event became a standout addition to the OC Japan Fair, one of the country’s most beloved celebrations of Japanese culture. With over 50,000 attendees across the three-day extravaganza, the event drew festival-goers, fans, and industry insiders alike to witness a bold new era in cultural crossover and global sound.
Embedded within a sprawling program of anime, fashion, and cuisine, the music stage was a standout success, driving record attendance. The OC Japan Fair, which welcomed 46,000 attendees in 2024, shattered its previous record with the festival’s inclusion.
At the heart of it all was MINMI, a genre-defying talent whose two-decade career spans J-pop, reggae, R&B, and hip-hop. Her instantly recognizable tracks “Shiki no Uta” and “Who’s Theme,” beloved by fans of the anime classic Samurai Champloo, have earned her an international cult following — especially in Los Angeles, where she now resides. “I think the very first Freedom LA was a great success,” said MINMI. “I truly believe Japanese music and culture can touch and inspire people around the world. I’ll keep taking on the challenge, one step at a time.”
Originally launched in 2008 on the scenic Awaji Island in Japan, MINMI’s Freedom Festival was always about more than music — it was a tranquil space for self-expression and connection. With over 600,000 attendees across its Japanese editions, the festival’s move to the U.S. was both symbolic and strategic: bridging global artistry through a uniquely emotional lens.
The festival’s grand finale struck a cinematic chord. As MINMI took the stage for her closing set, 300 glowing lanterns were released into the sky, symbolizing hope, unity, and shared dreams. The crowd fell into reverent awe — a breathtaking moment of stillness and beauty that turned a musical performance into a communal ritual.
The star-studded lineup also featured GADORO, a Japanese rapper known for his raw and emotionally driven performances. Fresh off a sold-out show at the iconic Nippon Budokan, GADORO’s presence in LA was powerful and personal. Rising star Genki Iwahashi, making his first-ever appearance at an international festival, shared, “I was really nervous because it was my first time performing in the U.S., but having so many fans come from Japan gave me the courage to do my best. It’s been my dream since I was in middle school to perform in America, and today that dream came true. I’m so happy I got to share that moment with my fans.”
Joining the bill were acts like Cyber Marionette feat. Fortnite, PERO PERO CANDY, sundial, DJ MaL, KUBOTA, SSSCLUB, and Wannabes — an eclectic mix that introduced American audiences to a wide spectrum of Japanese subcultural sound. According to organizers, more than 90% of attendees were local, proving the growing interest for global music experiences in Southern California and beyond.
MINMI, who made her major debut in 2002, continues to evolve and enchant, now in her 23rd year in the spotlight. Her hits — including “Sha-na-na☆” and “Dare yori Kimi ga Suki dakara” — reflect both technical artistry and emotional resonance, qualities that have long defined her work. With Freedom LA, she has not only extended her festival’s legacy, but deepened her mission to connect cultures through sound, soul, and shared joy.
The international expansion of the Freedom Festival highlights the broader role of music as a channel for global cultural connection and expression.
Find out more about the Freedom LA Festival , MINMI & follow them at:
Freedom Official Website
Freedom LA Instagram
OC Japan Fair Official Website
Freedom LA Official Store
MINMI Official Website
MINMI Instagram
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor Jessica Ross
Since August 2022, Jessica Ross has been a contributor at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Recent work includes Hollywood Unexpected airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in "Chasing Stars", a comedic-drama with an all female cast and crew.
Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.
Email: Jessicaross2030@gmail.com
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