Audition Details Announced for RIEHATA's Philippine Performance: STELLA DANCE JAM!
The Japan Foundation launches auditions for a special dance performance commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations.
As announced in the press release dated March 23, 2026, the Japan Foundation (JF) is holding auditions for the special performance "STELLA DANCE JAM (SDJ)," commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in 2026.
This project features a special collaboration between world-renowned dancer and choreographer RIEHATA and the popular Philippine P-POP group SB19. Young dancers selected through these auditions will have the opportunity to perform on stage during this event.
Auditions will be held in both the Philippines and Japan. We are looking for the next generation of "stars" from both countries to join us. This is a chance for talent crossing borders to perform on the same stage as world-class artists.
Workshop Audition (Japan) Overview
Application Period: April 6, 2026 (Mon) 18:00 – May 3, 2026 (Sun) 18:00
Date: May 4, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
Venue: SPACE LOV3 (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Time: Session 1: 12:00–15:00 | Session 2: 16:00–19:00
【Inquiries regarding auditions】
stelladancejam@gmail.com
※Please refrain from contacting SPACE LOV3 directly.
Successful candidates will participate in three rehearsals in Japan before performing at the main event in Manila, Philippines. Travel and accommodation expenses for the trip to the Philippines will be covered by the event organizers.
※Audition participation is free.
※Applications will close once capacity is reached for each session.
※Judging will take place sequentially after the workshop.
※Successful candidates must be available for rehearsals the day after the audition.
For details, please check the application form below.
Application Form URL: https://formlimit.everestwebdeals.co/?form=1446588ae80b9db2aebcf64255f09874
Event Overview
Philippines x Japan Friendship 2026: STELLA DANCE JAM (SDJ)
Dates: June 20 (Sat) and June 21 (Sun), 2026 (SB19 will perform on the 20th only)
Venue: Metro Manila
Admission: Paid (Ticket purchase required; online purchase available; restricted to ages 18 and up) ※Details to be announced later
Organizer: The Japan Foundation (JF)
Co-organizer: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Special Sponsor: JTI Philippines
Sponsor: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Cooperation: 1Z Entertainment
Production Cooperation: AX-ON Inc.
The theme for the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year is "Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities." We hope this dance session between Japanese and Filipino artists will deliver a world-class stage and deepen the affinity for Japan across generations in the Philippines.
This project is part of the "WA of Culture 2.0," a comprehensive human exchange initiative aimed at promoting interaction and human resource development between the next generations of Japan and ASEAN.
Artist Profiles
RIEHATA
Born August 9, 1990, in Niigata, Japan. A leading Japanese dancer, choreographer, and artist. Known for choreographing for Chris Brown, BTS, G-DRAGON, LISA (BLACKPINK), TWICE, and PSY. In Japan, she has worked with EXILE, King & Prince, Nissy, and BE-FIRST. She appeared on the Korean show "Street Woman Fighter 3" as part of RHTokyo and performed with G-DRAGON at the MMA 2025 awards.
SB19
Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. A multi-award-winning five-member group from the Philippines. "SB" stands for "Sound Break," representing their ambition to bring a fresh wind to the music scene and share Philippine music and culture with the world. Since their 2018 debut, they have gained global fans (A’TIN) and were appointed as Youth and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors by the NCCA in 2021. They were the first Southeast Asian/Filipino act nominated for a Billboard Music Award (Top Social Artist). They have topped various Billboard charts, including the Hot Trending Songs and World Digital Song Sales charts.
The Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation (JF) is an independent administrative institution dedicated to cultivating friendship and ties between Japan and the world through cultural exchange, Japanese language education, and Japanese studies. This project is part of the "WA of Culture 2.0" initiative, a 10-year project starting in 2024 to foster mutual understanding and human networks across Asia.