RIEHATA Set to Perform in the Philippines! Special Dance Performance with SB19 in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Japan–Philippines Friendship
The Official Press Conference of Stella Dance Jam (SDJ): Philippines × Japan Friendship 2026 got to feature globally renowned Filipino Japanese choreographer and dancer RIEHATA. The upcoming Stella Dance Jam will be a celebration of rhythm, movement, and collaboration honoring seven decades of friendship while fostering the next generation of trailblazers in the dance community.
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 continues to shape the international dance 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 the stage with world-class artists. Philippine auditions will be held in Manila and Davao.
70 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship
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 both Japan and the Philippines. It is also hoped that this project will serve as an opportunity to further deepen affinity toward 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.
Event Overview
Philippines × Japan Friendship 2026
STELLA DANCE JAM (SDJ)
Dates: Saturday, 20 June and Sunday, 21 June 2026
- SB19 will appear on June 20 only.
Location: Metro Manila
Admission: Ticketed event (PAID ADMISSION). Ticket purchase is limited to those aged
18 and above. Further details will be announced at a later date.
Organizer: The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM)
Co-organizer: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Supported by: JTI Philippines, All Nippon Airways (ANA)
In cooperation with: 1Z Entertainment
Production Support: Nippon Television AX-ON Inc.
Coverage of the Press Conference of Stella Dance Jam
Our Correspondent Darene shares her experience at the press conference for Stella Dance Jam.
“With Sako as host, Ben Suzuki, the Director of JFM, was introduced. He discussed the details of Stella Dance Jam, when the ticketing will be, who will be there at the concert, and when the concert the concert will be. It was then that Riehata was introduced. She introduced herself and her history with the Philippines as a Filipino-Japanese choreographer. Then they further discussed what’s in-store for Stella Dance Jam.
After that, it was the Question and Answer session. She wants to give everyone a chance and opportunity and wants to find talented dancers and hone and inspire them. Stella means stars. Anything particular from the dancers – she wants to find energy and passion from the dancers. As for the age range for the auditions, only people ages over 18 to 39 can join. What type of genre does she want to see in the auditions – no specific genre but for the auditions she’s gonna teach her choreography which is hiphop. She’s looking for energy so genre doesn’t matter. She wants to see personality on each dancers. Common points with being Japanese and Filipino is that when we listen to music, we feel the music. She loves both culture of both countries . Role of her mother to Riehata’s success and what’s next for Riehata – her mom is strong and positive. She always believed in her. She supports everyone. She got that for her mom. For the next one, she wants to give happiness and energy. And she wants to tell everyone that we are all special. We are one star. Riehata always reppin’ the Philippines. Thought process from choosing Manila and Davao – Davao has a long history with Japan-Philippines relations. Maybe next year they can visit other parts of the Philippines. This is just the beginning. Audition is for free. How many dancers? Maybe 30 dancers. Japan foundation will bring them to Manila. What are in-store for the chosen dancers after the concert – their lives will definitely change like overseas people will watch them. They can connect and they can collab. They will get opportunities by having this kind of connection, we have the opportunity to know a lot about each others culture. After the Q&A, they had a Photo session with her and Ben Suzuki.”
“Meeting your idols can be intimidating, but Riehata is the exception. After years of admiring her work with KPOP’s elite groups, finally meeting her in person was a surreal, high-energy experience. She’s a rare talent who pair’s world-class skill with a remarkably down-to-earth personality. Riehata always reppin’ the Philippines.”
That has been our coverage of the Stella Dance Jam press conference. We are grateful to The Japan Foundation, Manila for this incredible opportunity to meet and get to know one of the most talented and outstanding dancers and choreographers in the world. Many thanks to our Correspondent Darene for covering the event for us.
And thank you for dropping by. Do visit us again for more features here at arkadymac.com.
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