To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japanese-Philippine relations, Japan Foundation-Manila (JFM), along with global choreographer-singer RIEHATA and “Filipino Kings of Pop” SB19, will present “Stella Dance Jam”—a cultural exchange between the two countries through dance.
JFM announced during a press conference on April 24 at Solaire Resorts’ Waterside that the two-day Stella Dance Jam will be held on June 20 that will feature the two acts. Particularly, RIEHATA’s collective RHT is set to perform with 1Z Entertainment’s new girl group Xonara and Filipino choreographer J2X on June 21.
Being a cultural exchange event, young dancers from Japan and the Philippines were encouraged to audition to join the said collaborative performance, paving way for the next generation of “Stellas” or rising stars, to be held in June at The Theatre at Solaire.
Philippine auditions were held on April 25 in Davao, and April 26 in Manila.
At the event, Director Ben Suzuki of JFM highlighted the meaningful ties between Japan and Philippines, saying that both countries have formed strong bonds throughout the years.
“Many people say now that the Philippines and Japan are reaching [their golden age of cooperation],” Suzuki said. “For decades, I mentioned [that they are] having a relationship grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and meaningful cultural exchange.”
Meanwhile, RIEHATA—being a Japanese-Filipino national—will serve as the cultural bridge between the two countries, alongside SB19 and other performers.
According to her, “Filipinos are very open minded and friendly, while Japanese are very humble and sometimes quiet and shy…but when we listen to music and when we dance, we’re the same.”
She added that “we just love to move…We just love to feel the music.”
P-pop group SB19 graced the event through a video message.
Tickets to watch Stella Dance Jam would be available for purchase on May 23 at Ticketworld, though the organizers mentioned that it may be subject to change.
Stella Dance Jam is organized by the JFM and jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
This was published in the May 2026 issue of the Philippines Graphic.
Patrick Villanueva
Patrick Villanueva is a proofreader at the editorial department of Business Mirror.
