A major outdoor concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of the popular rock band Mrs. GREEN APPLE, led by vocalist and guitarist Motoki Ohmori, has drawn significant backlash due to excessive noise. The event, titled “MGA MAGICAL 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY LIVE ～FJORD～,” was held at a special venue in Yamashita Pier, Yokohama, on July 26 and 27, 2025.
Massive Event with 100,000 Attendees Causes Sound Spill
The two-day concert was the largest in the band’s history, aiming to attract 100,000 fans. Fans from across Japan flocked to the special outdoor venue built on Yokohama’s waterfront to celebrate the band’s milestone.
However, powerful sound leakage from the concert quickly became an issue. Numerous noise complaints poured in from residents in the surrounding areas. During the second day of the event, low-frequency bass sounds were reportedly heard as far as 15 kilometers away, including in Kawasaki City, Tokyo’s Ota Ward, and the Kamata district.
Residents File Police Reports Over Persistent Bass Noise
The sound reportedly traveled far beyond expectations, reaching residential neighborhoods not only in Yokohama but also in adjacent cities. Complaints included statements like “I couldn’t sleep because of the strange bass noise” and “It felt like a constant rumble.” Several residents even contacted the police to report the disturbance.
According to music industry insiders, several factors may have contributed to the noise issue, including the speaker setup facing the sea, the direction of the wind on the event days, and insufficient sound insulation at the venue. Being an open-air venue likely amplified the impact, allowing the sound to travel long distances.
Band Issues Official Apology
In response to the complaints, Mrs. GREEN APPLE released an official apology on their website. The statement acknowledged that the band had “received numerous complaints regarding noise from local residents” and expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE is considered one of the leading acts in Japan’s current music scene. In 2023, they topped Spotify’s annual ranking as the most-streamed artist in Japan, and their music continues to resonate across generations.
Fan Behavior Also Comes Under Scrutiny
In addition to the noise, some fans’ behavior has also drawn criticism. Despite prior warnings from the organizers not to gather around the venue to hear the performance from outside, fans still showed up for that purpose. This further fueled frustration among local residents and authorities.
Online discussions have emerged with voices saying, “This isn’t just about Mrs. GREEN APPLE,” indicating broader concerns over outdoor concerts, fan etiquette, and proper acoustic management.
Outdoor Concert Management Faces New Challenges
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of sound control at outdoor events. Experts are calling for improved speaker arrangements, thorough pre-event sound testing, and stronger advance communication with nearby communities.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE is scheduled to embark on a five-dome tour titled “DOME TOUR 2025 ‘BABEL no TOH’” from October to December 2025. As the band prepares for this next major tour, there is growing emphasis on improved sound management and greater consideration for neighboring residents.
As large-scale music events continue to grow, balancing artists’ freedom of expression with the quality of life of local residents is becoming an increasingly important issue for the music industry as a whole.
