Performances
Want to kick back and enjoy the unique sounds of the shamisen? Or perhaps you’d like to bop to the beats of taiko drums? Our Main Stage is jam-packed with an array of entertainment throughout the day to cater to all ages.
Noriko Tadano
Noriko Tadano is an award-winning, virtuoso master of the Japanese Shamisen and a traditional Japanese vocalist, who has performed within Australia and internationally.
Noriko’s ability and drive to cross over between traditional and modern Japanese music has seen her collaborate with renowned musicians.
Noriko grew up in Japan and moved to Australia in 2004. She has performed at many Australian festivals such as WOMADelaide and OzAsia. She’s also appeared on national TV/Radio programs and been involved in theatre productions.
Performance Time: 14:00pm
Location: Main Stage
Matsuri Taiko
Japanese drumming group ‘Matsuri Taiko’ (formerly Atsui no Taiko) formed in 2003 at The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
The group was formed by Katie Daly, who began teaching this group after gaining experience at Flinders Street School of Music.
The group is made up of percussionists who have studied at The University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music. Katie Daly and Nicole Weepers of Matsuri Taiko travelled to Japan in 2007 and 2008 to study with their Sensei, renowned Taiko Master Masaaki Kurumaya, bringing back with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.
As well as a highly accomplished performance group, Matsuri Taiko offer workshops for schools and businesses, ‘Come and Try’ sessions and ongoing classes.
Performance Time: 12:00pm
Location: Main Stage
Wanpaku Dancers
Their dancing involves creative and unique movements performed to well-known Japanese children’s songs. It’s funky, energetic, interactive and a whole lot of fun!
We are going to perform one of the most famous traditional songs and dance in Japan. It was sung by fishermen of Hokkaido and it’s called Nanchu Soran Bushi.
The song is about the fishermen’s life on the sea and it’s a very energetic dancing song. It requires audience participation! Don’t be shy, let’s learn it and dance together!
Performance Time: 15:40pm
Location: Main Stage
Eisa Team ASHIBI
Eisa Team ASHIBI: Vibrant Okinawan traditional dance group under Melbourne Okinawa Association, formed in 2022 and led by instructor Sayaka. Monthly classes for ages 5+; known for dynamic performances since 2023, including memorable concerts welcoming various renowned artists from Okinawa at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Engaging in the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa, Eisa Team ASHIBI embodies the spirit of community and energetic ambience. Join us as we celebrate the rhythm and traditions of Okinawan culture through exhilarating performances and enriching classes. Experience the energy and passion of Eisa with ASHIBI!
Performance Time: 13:10 pm
Location: Main Stage
Umehara Kamishibai
Kamishibai is one of the oldest storytelling traditions in Japan. The Kamishibai storyteller tells the story through drawing on sheets of paper. We are happy to invite Munetaka and Gail Umehara again for Kodomo no Hi event this year!
They will be performing Sennen no Tsubaki, The Thousand-year old Camellia.
Performance Time: 11:40am
Location: Main Stage
Stephanie is a young and talented woman who will be a guest singer at Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival 2024!
Stephanie was a finalist of the University of Adelaide’s Got Talent Competition and has previously performed at the AnimeGO! Japan Pop Culture Festival and Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival.
Performance Time: 11:25am
Location: Main Stage
Wadaiko Rindo Sydney
Wadaiko Rindo Sydney is a Sydney-based Japanese taiko drumming ensemble, established in 2010 with the support of Director Toshi Sakamoto, who is based in Melbourne and runs the biggest taiko classes in Australia holding more than 100 students.
The group has been performing at cultural festivals, sport events and corporate functions in Sydney and is renowned for their cheerful, energetic performances, inspiring the whole audience through their deep dynamic sound of taiko drums.
This year, they will be joining Noriko Tadano! Come watch the special show at Kodomo no Hi!
Performance Time: 14:05pm
Location: Main Stage
Chonkai Latin Folkloric Dance Group
Chonkai from the Wayuu Indigenous language word, means, “Son of the sun”.
They area Latin American Folkloric Dance group, showing a taste of Colombian’s and Latin America’s traditional dances to Australia.
The two dances they will perform are traditional dances of Colombia.
Performance Time: 11:10am
Location: Main Stage
The Monteverdi Singers of South Australia were founded in 1988.
This enthusiastic group of choralists perform at many events in the local community and bring happiness and festivity with their music.
Performance Time: 13:40pm
Location: Main Stage
Studio Flamenco
Studio Flamenco was established in 2004 and offers classes in flamenco dance and music for children from 4 years to adult.
Studio Flamenco’s youth company will perform ‘Sevillanas’, which is an Andalusian folk dance traditionally danced with a partner at celebrations, and ‘Garrotin’, which is a dance performed with a Spanish hat or sombrero.
Performance Time: TBA
Location: Main Stage
Karuta
[ INTRO FOR PERFORMER HERE ]
Ever wanted to have your name written in Japanese calligraphy? Watch in awe as our instructors write your first name in traditional Japanese calligraphy.
The cost is just $2 per calligraphy piece, completed by our volunteer instructors. Want to try your hand at wielding a calligraphy brush? JAFA runs regular calligraphy classes in Adelaide.
Location: Main Hall