40 Years of DMC: Tokyo

Tokyo Prepares for a Legendary Weekend of DJ Battles

The world’s biggest stage for turntablism heads to Tokyo this October as the DMC World DJ Championships celebrates an incredible 40 years. On October 11–12, 2025, DJs, fans, and industry leaders will gather in Japan for a weekend that promises history in the making.

This milestone doesn’t just mark four decades of global DJ competition, it also honours DMC’s long-standing bond with Technics, who celebrate 60 years shaping sound innovation.

Why Tokyo?

Few cities embody DJ culture like Tokyo. It’s home to the Technics SL-1200, the turntable that transformed DJing forever, and has produced some of the scene’s most iconic champions: DJ Kentaro, DJ Izoh, DJ Yuto, DJ Rena, and the five-time world team winners Kireek. With this legacy, Tokyo is the perfect city to host such a landmark edition.

A Weekend of Celebration

Friday, October 10 – Studio Freedom
The weekend launches with the official DMC Opening Party—a night where champions, judges, and fans mix with delegates from every corner of the globe. This isn’t just networking; it’s a reunion of the international DJ family.
Saturday, October 11 – O-East
The main stage battles take over one of Tokyo’s top live venues. The Classic, Scratch, and Supremacy battles will test skill, speed, and creativity, while exclusive showcases bring the world’s finest DJs to the spotlight. The day closes with the Hall of Fame Awards, honouring the legends who built the culture.
Sunday, October 12 – Harlem
The final night explodes at Japan’s premier hip-hop club. In partnership with AlphaTheta, the stage belongs to the Open Category, a forward-thinking format where genre blending, party rocking and experimentation rules. Expect guest performances, surprises, and an energy-charged send-off worthy of 40 years of DMC.