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: TBA
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: TBA
Location: Main Stage
MEL3 and Wanpaku Dancers
MEL3 (Pronounce as M-E-L Three) is a Japanese dancing group formed by Chiemi and Noriko in 2017.
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!
Performance Time: TBA
Location: Main Stage
Ichimadin
Ichimadin is the very first Australian based Okinawan music band formed in Melbourne in 2010. They play Okinawan classic to Pops, hoping to spread the beauty of Okinawan culture. The name of the band Ichimadin means ‘forever’ in the Okinawan language and we named ourselves that because we wish the beautiful sounds of Okinawan music will last forever.
Chiemi is currently a president of the Melbourne Okinawa Association. Sayaka is a taiko performer and also runs Eisa Okinawan dance workshops for school incursions.
Performance Time: TBA
Location: Main Stage
Umehara Kamishibai
Performance Time: TBA
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: TBA
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
Yass & Mark
Yass & Mark are a talented two-person group. Mark’s expertise lies in playing guitar, while Yass skillfully provides the rhythmic beat with the cajon. Together, they bring a unique and energetic sound to the stage.
Their performance will feature two popular Japanese pop songs. The first song is “Arigatou” (ありがとう) by Takuya Ohashi and the second song is “Tokyo Love Story” (東京ラブズトーリー) by Kazumasa Oda.
Performance Time: TBA
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: TBA
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: 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