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Event Report: Teen Band Fest Vol. 2 Hosted by OKUCHIBA PROJECT

2026-03-23

February 22, 2026. On this unusually warm day that feels as if we have already jumped into spring, the second "Band Fest for Teens," a band festival for high school, middle school, and elementary school students involved in music activities in Chiba Prefecture, was held.

The event was organized by the Okuchiba Project, which promotes community building through music, sports, and agriculture. The "Band Fest for Teens" was created with the intention of allowing local children to experience the joy of performing on a big stage.

What is the “Okuchiba Project”?

The "Okuchiba Project" is a general incorporated association that aims to revitalize the community by branding the northeastern regions of Chiba Prefecture—Sanmu, Narita, Katori, and Kaiso—as "Okuchiba." To promote the cultural development of the region, they hold music festivals twice a year in the spring and autumn, and also organize the "Band Fest for Teens" every year. Through these events, they hope to create a future together with the next generation, the children. The representative of the project is Shinichi Ichikawa, a bassist from Yokoshiba-Hikari Town.

⇒ Okuchiba Project Event Introduction

⇒ Report on the First "Band Fest for Teens"

Following the inaugural event, Sound House also sponsored the festival this year.
This year, the event was also supported by a major local corporation, Narita International Airport!

"The local adults are the ones who create everyone's stage. I hope you can carry that sense of gratitude with you."

It’s important to not forget the support we receive. Such events outside of school might be a rare opportunity to strongly feel these connections.

"At first, it’s nerve-wracking, right? But give it your all!"

Shinichi Ichikawa kindly spoke to the first band, and the contest began smoothly.

The judges included guitarist and producer Koichi Koremoto, drummer Jun Isobe, and the organizer, Shinichi Ichikawa. It was hard to believe this was a local student contest. There were top-tier professional musicians lined up as judges! Sound House also participated in the judging and witnessed the performances of 18 teenage bands.

There were a variety of personalities among the 18 bands, from refreshing, youthful bands to those great at getting the crowd amped up. To everyone’s surprise, even seven elementary school students participated!
What they all had in common was their confident demeanor, which made it hard to sense any nervousness. Their sincere and direct performances were deeply moving.

After each performance, the judges gave feedback. Along with their impressions, they shared professional advice.
The band members listened attentively, full of seriousness and curiosity.

The direct lectures from the judges were met with applause from the audience!
It was truly heartwarming to see how much the young people who participated last year had grown. The whole experience was deeply moving.

Once all the performances had ended, it was time for the judging.
Before the awards ceremony, everyone got to enjoy a live performance from the three judges!

And finally, there was the awards ceremony.
The certificates and prizes were provided by Sound House.

First, the individual awards were announced. The winner of the Best Bassist Award, who played with a truly professional feel, only had been playing bass ford a year and a half! The absorption capacity of teenagers is truly amazing...

Amidst the tough competition, the Special Judge’s Award, Excellence Award, and Grand Prix Award were presented.
Every band’s performance was truly outstanding!

Next year’s event will surely be setting the bar even higher!
To all the teenage bands in Chiba Prefecture, start preparing now before you participate!