Most festivals stick to the set times at the beginning of the day, but of the dozens of festivals I've been to throughout North America none have been able to keep this up for the duration of the event.  Things begin to start a few minutes late and then continue to run more and more behind schedule as the day progresses.  It's not that bad if there is only one stage at the festival.  However, when there are multiple stages it makes it really tough for concert goers to try and catch everything they want to see.

Generally speaking, the Japanese tend to be fairly strict when it comes to time.  Lateness, in professional situations at least, in often frowned upon. As a result, Fuji Rock has been running like clock work. Everything has been so bang on that you could probably set your watch based upon when bands arrived on stage and have it be 100% precise. Actually, my watch is running a little fast. Think I'll head back out the White Stage and get it properly set right now.