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JAKARTA – The Jakarta-based indie sensation Rimba recently brought their vibrant signature sound, affectionately dubbed Pop Belantara, directly to the heart of Japan. Embarking on a momentous tour from September to October 2026, the quartet seamlessly transitioned from intimate Tokyo underground venues to a massive crowd of 12,000 fans at the prestigious Kyoto Music Expo.
Their Japanese journey kicked off on September 24 at Moon Romantic Aoyama, a cozy Tokyo venue holding just 150 attendees, allowing fans to experience Rimba’s energetic presence up close. Two days later, they traveled to Matsumoto to take the main stage at Ringo Fest, enchanting a growing crowd of listeners. However, the true climax of their expedition arrived on October 10 at Umekoji Park for the Kyoto Music Expo.
This monumental festival celebrated its 20th anniversary, simultaneously honoring the 30-year legacy of Quruli, the legendary Kyoto alternative rock band that founded the event. Performing on the festival’s opening day, Rimba shared the spotlight with heavyweight Japanese acts, including Quruli, Homecomings, indigo la End, Macaroni Empitsu, Suchmos, and Miyamoto Hiroji.
Despite the language barrier, the Japanese audience embraced Rimba’s set with overwhelming enthusiasm. Fans clapped in perfect rhythm and swayed to infectious tracks like Kampiun, Rimba Raya, and Crave Me, Superstar. The energy reached a fever pitch during their closing number, Diego Superego, as the band commanded the entire crowd to jump in unison. By fusing catchy pop melodies, experimental arrangements, and rich Indonesian lyrics, Rimba successfully captivated a massive new audience without sacrificing their unique sonic identity.
Formed in 2019, Rimba features Latasya Dinar on vocals, Vari Rivano on guitar, Marvin Muhammad on bass, and Ivando Jeremy on drums. Their signature Jungle Pop blends melodic accessibility with unexpected musical twists. This milestone tour also propelled the global reach of their debut album, Technicolor Meeting. Originally released digitally as an independent project in November 2025, the album caught the attention of Big Romantic Records. The label pressed it on vinyl in March 2026 for worldwide distribution, and physical copies now line the shelves of major Japanese record stores like Tower Records and HMV.
From a tightly packed room in Tokyo to a sprawling festival ground in Kyoto, this tour marks a defining chapter in Rimba’s career. Through their dynamic performances and authentic Indonesian lyricism, Rimba proved once again that great music effortlessly transcends the boundaries of spoken language.
Photo doc. Pophariini
