Japanese Artists Set to Perform at Major Music Festivals in Melbourne and Sydney
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia in 2026, the Japan Foundation (JF) is dispatching three Japanese artists—SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, and HUGEN—to the major Australian music festivals 'RISING' in Melbourne and 'VIVID SYDNEY' in Sydney. This initiative aims to further develop cultural exchange between the two countries through diverse musical expressions.
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In 2026, Japan and Australia will celebrate a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. To commemorate this occasion, the Japan Foundation (JF) will dispatch three groups of artists active in the Japanese music scene to major music festivals in Australia: RISING (Melbourne) and VIVID SYDNEY (Sydney).
This project features Japanese artists who cross the boundaries of genres and expressive styles and are attracting international attention. It creates an opportunity for Australian audiences to directly experience a showcase of the diverse musical expressions that exist in contemporary Japan, including modern pop music, electronic music, and highly improvisational and experimental performances.
Furthermore, this appearance was realized after Haley Percy, the head of the music department at RISING, offered the spots to these three groups, having noticed them when she participated in the Invitation Program for Performing Arts Professionals conducted by JF last year.
The aim is to deepen mutual understanding between the two countries through music and to further develop cultural exchange between Japan and Australia.
SAICOBAB NIKO NIKO TAN TAN HUGEN
Event Name: RISING: Day Tripper
Date & Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, Max Watt’s (Melbourne)
Performers: SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, HUGEN, and others
Details: https://2026.rising.melbourne/program/day-tripper
Ticket Purchase: https://tickets.rising.melbourne/day-tripper
Organizers: RISING, The Japan Foundation (JF)
Event Name: VIVID SYDNEY: Tumbalong Nights
Date & Time: Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Tumbalong Park (Sydney)
Performers: NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, HUGEN
Details: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/music/hugen-niko-niko-tan-tan-tumbalong-nights
Admission: Free
Organizers: VIVID SYDNEY, The Japan Foundation (JF)
■ Artist Profiles
[SAICOBAB]
SAICOBAB is a quartet that awakens the primal energy of living musical traditions through ecstatic performances. It brings together four musicians who combine a deep understanding of ancient musical styles with a thrilling sense of boldly reconstructing them for the modern era.
Member YoshimiO is widely known for her experimental work in this realm, including the kaleidoscopic soundscapes incorporating Javanese Gamelan in OOIOO, and the electrifying modern ritual music she has developed with Boredoms.
Sitar player Daikichi Yoshida vividly highlights the presence of the "human hand" that shapes "living tradition" through his fluent playing and collection of self-made instruments. Meanwhile, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Tomoyuki "HAMA" Hamamoto embodies the metaphysical power of rhythm.
SAICOBAB was formed around ultra-fast and highly improvisational live performances, and has since released increasingly challenging and bold studio works.
In recent years, HAMA has switched from Arabic percussion to the electric bass, and the band has welcomed drummer Yo2ro Tatekawa, who has maintained a DRUM combination with YoshimiO in Boredoms for over 20 years and is the drum master of 77BOADRUM.
[NIKO NIKO TAN TAN]
Formed in 2019. An alternative dance act consisting of three members: OCHAN (Vo, Synth & Gt), Anabebe (Dr), and Drug Store Cowboy (Creative Director / Movie / Artwork).
Their live performances, featuring a VJ that drives dance floors around the world into a frenzy, have solid ability and a strong reputation, creating a highly immersive stage where music, video, and artwork are integrated.
They also perform under the alter-ego name "Bisho Tan Tan" (Smile Tan Tan), playing DJ sets and expanding their field of expression primarily in the club scene.
[HUGEN]
Launched at the beginning of 2024.
A music project centered around TP (Vo/PC).
Based on electro music, they produce alternative tracks that incorporate elements of ethnic and folk music.
The lyrics by TP are characterized by singing about familiar emotions and landscapes—connection, love, kindness—putting them into words without pretension.
This project features Japanese artists who cross the boundaries of genres and expressive styles and are attracting international attention. It creates an opportunity for Australian audiences to directly experience a showcase of the diverse musical expressions that exist in contemporary Japan, including modern pop music, electronic music, and highly improvisational and experimental performances.
Furthermore, this appearance was realized after Haley Percy, the head of the music department at RISING, offered the spots to these three groups, having noticed them when she participated in the Invitation Program for Performing Arts Professionals conducted by JF last year.
The aim is to deepen mutual understanding between the two countries through music and to further develop cultural exchange between Japan and Australia.
SAICOBAB NIKO NIKO TAN TAN HUGEN
Event Name: RISING: Day Tripper
Date & Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, Max Watt’s (Melbourne)
Performers: SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, HUGEN, and others
Details: https://2026.rising.melbourne/program/day-tripper
Ticket Purchase: https://tickets.rising.melbourne/day-tripper
Organizers: RISING, The Japan Foundation (JF)
Event Name: VIVID SYDNEY: Tumbalong Nights
Date & Time: Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Tumbalong Park (Sydney)
Performers: NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, HUGEN
Details: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/music/hugen-niko-niko-tan-tan-tumbalong-nights
Admission: Free
Organizers: VIVID SYDNEY, The Japan Foundation (JF)
■ Artist Profiles
[SAICOBAB]
SAICOBAB is a quartet that awakens the primal energy of living musical traditions through ecstatic performances. It brings together four musicians who combine a deep understanding of ancient musical styles with a thrilling sense of boldly reconstructing them for the modern era.
Member YoshimiO is widely known for her experimental work in this realm, including the kaleidoscopic soundscapes incorporating Javanese Gamelan in OOIOO, and the electrifying modern ritual music she has developed with Boredoms.
Sitar player Daikichi Yoshida vividly highlights the presence of the "human hand" that shapes "living tradition" through his fluent playing and collection of self-made instruments. Meanwhile, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Tomoyuki "HAMA" Hamamoto embodies the metaphysical power of rhythm.
SAICOBAB was formed around ultra-fast and highly improvisational live performances, and has since released increasingly challenging and bold studio works.
In recent years, HAMA has switched from Arabic percussion to the electric bass, and the band has welcomed drummer Yo2ro Tatekawa, who has maintained a DRUM combination with YoshimiO in Boredoms for over 20 years and is the drum master of 77BOADRUM.
[NIKO NIKO TAN TAN]
Formed in 2019. An alternative dance act consisting of three members: OCHAN (Vo, Synth & Gt), Anabebe (Dr), and Drug Store Cowboy (Creative Director / Movie / Artwork).
Their live performances, featuring a VJ that drives dance floors around the world into a frenzy, have solid ability and a strong reputation, creating a highly immersive stage where music, video, and artwork are integrated.
They also perform under the alter-ego name "Bisho Tan Tan" (Smile Tan Tan), playing DJ sets and expanding their field of expression primarily in the club scene.
[HUGEN]
Launched at the beginning of 2024.
A music project centered around TP (Vo/PC).
Based on electro music, they produce alternative tracks that incorporate elements of ethnic and folk music.
The lyrics by TP are characterized by singing about familiar emotions and landscapes—connection, love, kindness—putting them into words without pretension.
FAQ
Which Japanese artists are performing at the Australian festivals?
The three groups are SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, and HUGEN.
Is the performance in Sydney free?
Yes, admission to 'Tumbalong Nights' at VIVID SYDNEY is free of charge.
What is the purpose of these events?
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and deepen cultural exchange through music.