(Photography by James Chen)
The inaugural Freedom LA Music Festival took place over the weekend of April 4th, 2025, in partnership with the OC Japan Fair. This vibrant event celebrated Japanese music, showcasing performances by musicians based in the U.S. as well as those based in Japan. The festivities of Freedom LA took place at The Hangar in Costa Mesa and amplified the exposure of Japanese pop culture and arts, perfectly aligning with the long-running OC Japan Fair’s mission of promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of Japanese culture, food, traditions, and innovations.
Freedom LA itself has deep musical roots in Japan, as headliner Minmi has been producing a series of highly successful “FREEDOM aozora” music festival events across Japan (occasionally with slight naming variations) for at least 15 years. “Freedom” as a core concept of Minmi’s live performances and events traces back to her 2008 nationwide “FREEDOM 07 Tour” in Japan. This tour gave rise to the music festivals, which began the following year and have continued onward while growing significantly, expanding from multi-day events to spanning up to three consecutive weekends across various cities in Japan. Now, the FREEDOM festival has crossed an ocean to debut and make its mark here in Southern California, its undeniable success highlighted by Saturday’s sold-out tickets.
Minmi took the stage on Saturday night to deliver her unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and J-pop. This headlining set at The Hanger kicked off with “Makana,” filling the venue with uplifting and sentimental vibes. Minmi then launched into “Hibiscus” and “Hologram,” quickly igniting an energetic party atmosphere. The set also featured a playful, informal language lesson, introducing the phrase “Yacchaitai”—a term unlikely to be found in textbooks—before transitioning into the song of the same name with its flirtatious, push-and-pull narrative. As she moved on to her next song, Minmi reaffirmed her desire to change the world and a desire for peace for all.
With “Shiki no Uta,” Minmi took Freedom LA on an unforgettable journey to feudal Japan. This iconic track, a global fan favorite, was composed by Nujabes and is famously featured in the beloved anime series, Samurai Champloo. As scenes from the series unfolded behind her, Minmi’s voice, with a mesmerizing blend of hip-hop beats and jazz, had the entire audience moving to the rhythm.
A dream-like experience unfolded next, offering a unique opportunity for mindfulness. As the lights in The Hanger faded, darkness enveloped the venue. Above, a breathtaking sight emerged: a small but beautiful sea of softly bobbing lights from the floating lanterns brought by festival-goers. Minmi then invited a silent moment of introspection, urging everyone to reflect on “freedom” as the lanterns gracefully ascended toward the ceiling.
The show continued with the iconic “Who’s Theme”—now with Minmi playing keys in addition to delivering the soothing vocals. The rapper Gadoro, having just performed his own set, then joined Minmi on stage. He seamlessly blended verses from his track “Senaka” with the beats of “Who’s Theme,” creating a fascinating sonic contrast.
Minmi’s headlining performance culminated in an energetic spectacle as dancers rejoined her on stage for the uplifting “Shanana.” This exhilarating close marked the conclusion of the primary live music performances, wrapping up an unforgettable evening. The festival also then featured an exciting showcase of very talented up-and-coming artists, leaving the audience with a greater connection to Japanese culture through music. What comes next for the Freedom LA Music Festival is eagerly awaited and the massive turnout of fans is a clear sign that there will be a huge demand for the event to return very soon.
