Ultra Japan had a triumphant eighth edition back at Odaiba Ultra Park in Tokyo last weekend. The festival brought blockbuster talent to the signature Main Stage and the underground mecca RESISTANCE stage, and showcased local talent at the Ultra Park Stage. Some of the most renowned DJs played including Hardwell, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Adam Beyer, DJ Snake, Skrillex, Peggy Gou and Nicole Moudaber. This edition reinforced Japan as one of the most enthused places for Ultra Worldwide and demonstrated the love that Japanese people and visitors from around the globe have for dance music. Edmtrain rates Ultra Japan 2023 as stellar.

Ultra Worldwide holds events across the world, but what makes the one in Tokyo special is just how much the festival mirrors the Japanese people and culture. It was probably the most organized rave with the most polite crowd there is. There was a lane to enter and exit the Main Stage. There was no pushing or shoving or rudeness – attendees were kind and respectful with space. And they also took care of their own trash and making sure the park stayed just as clean as before the festival unfolded. And the well-mannered attendees had an explosively good time.

Here are some highlights from Ultra Japan 2023:

Techno powerhouse Nicole Moudaber laid down hardcore underground tunes at RESISTANCE and fans were receptive. She tested many new records for the first time and said "they sounded amazing". Moudaber took time after her set to speak with Edmtrain editor and writer Jessica Gail:

Moudaber also expressed love for the Japanese culture:

Moudaber, who played her first Ultra Japan in 2016, added that the RESISTANCE stage has grown bigger and bigger over the years. She said: 

Hardwell's set was fairly early on Saturday, September 16, and it was wonderful because he played into the sunset. The Main Stage was packed for Hardwell, who made a comeback a year-and-a-half ago. He played a hybrid between his original big room sound that shot him to the top ranks, and his new big room techno style that he debuted in his big return at Ultra Miami 2022. Hardwell dropped his bangers including Apollo and a mashup with Spaceman. One of the highlight moments of his firecracker set was when he dropped a new unreleased collab with Afrojack. Many fans came to see Hardwell and he delivered exactly what they were looking for.

Axwell Λ Ingrosso took the Main Stage right after Hardwell on day one. The two members of the trio Swedish House Mafia played an electrifying set filled with their greatest hits including Sun Is Shining, and the trio's classic Don't You Worry Child. Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso took a break from their project in 2018 to focus on the Swedish House Mafia reunion and album released last year, 'Paradise Again'. It was unclear for a while if Axwell Λ Ingrosso were disbanding, but their performance at Ultra Japan showed that they are still very much together, to fans' delight.

DJ Snake closed out the Main Stage on day one and did the prime slot justice with a set that was lit from start to finish. He started out with some dubstep that the crowd was absolutely loving. Then he dropped one of his most loved tracks, Lean On. DJ Snake ended with Let Me Love You featuring Justin Bieber, all the while waving Japan's flag on stage for a perfect ending. 

The French producer also shared a handful of pictures of himself at Ultra Japan with fellow performers Skrillex and Peggy Gou, and Japanese-themed merchandise and amazing food he ate while at the Land of the Rising Sun. "Thanks for the Love Japan," he wrote on Instagram. 

Drumcode Records founder Adam Beyer played a two-hour set to close out RESISTANCE on day one. This was a dream come true for techno devotees, as the longer-than-typical set for a festival allowed Beyer to take them on a journey into the depths of his prowess in the genre. Besides delivering a masterful set, Beyer shared his love for Japan. "So happy to be back in Japan again," Beyer wrote on Instagram and posted pictures of himself in Kyoto including at the golden Kinkaku-ji temple. In another post, he thanked fans for the "sick energy". 

Many Ultra Japan attendees were waiting to see Skrillex, who closed out the Main Stage on Sunday, September 17. Skrillex is riding high on the heels of releasing two albums this year, 'Quest For Fire' and 'Don't Get Too Close', and selling out New York City's Madison Square Garden and playing Coachella with Fred again.. and Four Tet, as their trio called Pangbourne House Mafia. Skrillex started his set with Still Here, his collab with Porter Robinson and Bibi Bourelly. He dropped plenty of his most popular tracks including Rumble with Fred again.. and Flowdan, and RATATA with Mr. Oizo and Missy Elliot. He ended with a drum 'n bass edit of Four Tet's Teenage Birdsong, a stellar ending to a performance that Japan will never forget.

South Korean producer Peggy Gou has taken the house and techno scenes by storm and could very well have played RESISTANCE, but she instead performed on the Main Stage before Skrillex on day two. It goes to speak to her versatility and wide appeal in Asia and the world. Peggy started off with the Soulwax remix of her track I Go, and dropped three IDs. Near the end of her set, she played her recent hit (It Goes Like) Nanana. Fans especially liked the visuals that went along with her set, some which were reminiscent of Sailor Moon.

Ultra Japan is one of the most established Ultra Worldwide editions in Asia and it's no wonder why. Japanese people have a deep love for dance music and the community and it shined through in the professionalism and high quality of the festival this year. The only downside for fans coming from other countries is that the festival ended fairly early – at 9 p.m. That just meant more time at the afterparties, which included a RESISTANCE takeover at Womb nightclub in Shibuya on Saturday night, with local techno producers playing in the massive multi-story club with a warehouse feel until early morning the next day.

The combination of impeccable festival and rich culture that Japan offers is unbeatable. Ultra Japan will be unforgettable and unlike any other festival experience for those who make the journey. The dates for the ninth Ultra Japan have already been announced – September 14 and 15, 2024. Tickets and information are available here.