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. For further details on how to participate in the auditions, please refer to the information below.
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.
PHILIPPINE AUDITIONS
Audition Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Location: Davao
Audition Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Location: Manila
Registration for Audition:
Please register via the link below.
https://bit.ly/StellaDanceJam
For details, please refer to the application guidelines in the registration form.
Participation in the audition is free of charge.
Registration Period: Tuesday, 24 March – Sunday, 5 April 2026
This article is brought to you by JapanFoundation.
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