It was a stellar milestone event that celebrated the enduring friendship, culture and shared experiences between Japan and the Philippines as the Japan Foundation, Manila showcased STELLA DANCE JAM last June 20 and 21, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire. Brought together as the historic collaboration between global dance icon RIEHATA and the Kings of P-pop, SB19, along with XONARA/J2X, RHT and the “Stellas”—rising young dancers from both nations selected to perform alongside these world-class artists.
Commemorating the 2026 Japan–Philippines Friendship Year and marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, STELLA DANCE JAM was a momentous celebration of the vibrant experiences and connections in culture and the arts. The showcase was formally preceded by the JFM 30th Anniversary Reception hosted by Japan Foundation President Kurosawa at the theater Foyer. It was an affirmation of the strong bonds shared between the two peoples and a wish for more venues of cooperation and collaboration.
It was then time for the long-awaited collaboration between the globally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, RIEHATA, and one of the Philippines’ most celebrated groups, SB19, along with the Stellas, the rising young dancers from both nations, it was a spectacular evening of powerful and dynamic performances.
Performing at the second day of STELLA DANCE JAM were XONARA/J2X from the Philippines, and RIEHATA, and RHT, a dance collective of dancers trained by RIEHATA, from Japan.
All in all it was a phenomenal weekend that celebrated the vibrant dance scene of Japan and the Philippines as it strengthened the connections between the two nations.
Our gratitude to the Japan Foundation, Manila for inviting us to witness this spectacular event as part of the media. Many thanks to our Correspondent Darene for covering the event for us.
#SDJ2026 #RIEHATA #RHT #JFM #arkadymac
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