The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) will present a special performance STELLA DANCE JAM (SDJ) to commemorate the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year, marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
The long-awaited collaboration between RIEHATA, a globally acclaimed dancer and choreographer who cotinues to shape the international dace scene, and SB19, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated groups, will finally come to life on stage in Manila!
In addition, young dancers selected through auditions in both Japan and the Philippines will also participate in the performance. Bringing together the next generation of “Stellas” – rising stars – from across borders, the project offers these emerging dancers the rare opportunity to share thestage with world-classs artists.
Philippine audition will be held in Davao on April 25 and in Manila on April 26.
Under the theme of the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year. “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities,” the event will bring a world-class stage to audiences through dynamic dance performances featuring artists from Japan and the Philippines. It is also hoped that this project will serve as an opportunity to further deepen affinity towards Japan among a wide range of generations in the Philippines.
This project will be implemented as part of the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership – WA 2.0, a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative aimed at promoting exchanges and fostering the next generation of leaders between Japan and ASEAN.
