Japanese JAZZ Dance Group HANABI

HANAEN – 華宴 – <DIVINE TALE MEETS J-POP>

HANABI Arrives in Vietnam – Tradition Meets J-POP Energy

From October 2-6, 2025, the Japan Foundation for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam presents HANAEN: Divine Tale Meets J-POP by the Hanabi dance group, a series of workshops and performances that connect Japanese mythology with the vibrant energy of J-POP in Hai Phong and Hanoi, co-organised with the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong and Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema. The program will also feature a special showcase at the World Cultural Festival, supported by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Led by choreographer MIWA, recipient of the Best Work Award at Legend Tokyo Chapter.8, Japanese dance group Hanabi is acclaimed for its “Wa-style Jazz,” blending Japanese aesthetics with contemporary movement. Their theme this time HANAEN: Divine Tale Meets J-Pop, from “Hana” (magnificence) and “En” (banquet), is a feast of mythology, shamisen-inspired rhythms, anime soundtracks, and the energy of J-POP, expressed through graceful yet powerful choreography.

Programs in Hai Phong (October 2–4)

Hanabi will engage Vietnamese students through interactive workshops at Chu Van An Secondary School, Hoang Dieu Secondary School, and Tran Phu High School for the Gifted. The program will culminate in a special performance on October 4 at the Hai Phong Opera House, opening with Resonance of Mountains and Rivers – Spirit of the Dragon Sage, a performance by local students reflecting Vietnam’s traditions and youthful energy, followed by Hanabi’s HANAEN, where dance bridges Japanese and Vietnamese cultures.

Programs in Hanoi (October 6)

On October 6, Hanabi will hold an interactive workshops at the Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, continuing the program’s mission to spark connections between past and present, Vietnam and Japan, while inspiring curiosity and dialogue through dance.

Additionally, at the Hanoi World Cultural Festival held in the heritage setting of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, HANAEN: Divine Tale Meets J-POP will present a showcase with many others international artists, inviting visitors to experience a vibrant meeting of J-POP dynamism, shamisen echoes, and pop rhythms in a celebration of Hanoi as a hub of creativity and cultural exchange.

HANAEN: Divine Tale Meets J-Pop is more than entertainment; it is an invitation to see dance as a bridge between peoples, to celebrate diversity, and to honor the ties between two nations with shared vision for the future. As part of the flagship Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0, these events extend beyond the stage, fostering creativity, understanding, and friendship all through one step, one rhythm, one spark at a time.

EVENT INFORMATION

I. Programs in Hai Phong city

I. Programs in Hanoi

*The 1st World Culture Festival in Hanoi has been rescheduled from October 3–5, 2025 to October 10–12, 2025 (tentative schedule).

■ Credits                                                                                                                  

Organized by: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
In collaboration with:

• 1. Programs in Hai Phong: Department of Foreign Affairs, Hai Phong City
  2. Exchange Program with University: Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema

■ About the performers                                                                                        

MIWA (Choreographer, Producer, Dancer, Instructor)

MIWA is one of Japan’s leading choreographers, acclaimed for her dazzling style and powerful ensemble performances. She began her career in 2004 with the JAZZ HIPHOP group CHUPPA, later founding Doll House in 2008 and joining Un bijou in 2012. Her choreography has been featured in tours for major artists including Nishino Kana and KOKIA, as well as in music videos and international events.

In 2018, MIWA won the Best Work Award at Legend Tokyo chapter.8, and in 2019 she served as Artistic Director of FINAL LEGEND VII and choreographed for the Rugby World Cup Japan Opening Ceremony. She went on to establish the Japanese JAZZ dance team Hanabi in 2020, where she continues to blend tradition and contemporary expression. Recent highlights include directing the Pokémon World Championships Live Show in 2023 and choreographing the Countdown Party at Shinagawa Prince Hotel in 2024–2025.

SAYANA UCHIDA (Dancer)

She began learning dance in the third grade of elementary school and went on to win several awards at competitions with her three-girl group, PiNK!. Notably, the group reached the finals of the television program Piramekino – The Ultimate Dance Battle for Elementary School Students.

Later, she passed the audition for EXPG’s New Talent Search and became a trainee at EXPG Tokyo. During her time there, she performed as a backup dancer for artists under LDH, and appeared in commercials as well as renowned music programs such as Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

KARIN HOMMA (Dancer)

She began studying classical ballet at the age of six. In high school, she joined the dance club, which introduced her to creative dance.

After enrolling in the Department of Dance at Shobi University of Performing Arts, she continued to develop her personal dance style while also focusing on group choreography. She participated in numerous competitions and received several awards.

Today, she performs on stage across a wide range of genres, including jazz, modern, and contemporary dance. At the same time, she applies the leadership skills honed through choreographing group pieces to organize performances, present her works, and expand her teaching activities as a coach and mentor.

YUZUKI FUNABASHI (Dancer)

She began studying classical ballet at the age of three, and by elementary school she was already exploring JAZZ HIPHOP and HIPHOP. Later, she attended Yamano Beauty College, where she studied makeup and hairstyling to complement her dance career.

Today, she works independently as a makeup and hair artist, while also being active as a dancer, instructor, and coach. In addition, she develops video dance lessons on YouTube, combining her artistic and teaching skills to reach wider audiences.

HARU KODAMA (Dancer)

She began dancing at the age of four with a focus on JAZZ, while also exploring other styles such as ballet and HIPHOP. During high school, she participated in a short-term dance study program in New York, which inspired her to pursue JAZZFUNK as her main style.

Later, she enrolled at the University of Culture and Arts, driven by her interest in fashion design. At the same time, she launched her own fashion brand and continued to perform as a dancer at events, competitions, and stage productions.

RIO IMAOKA (Dancer)

From an early age, she studied dance styles such as JAZZ, TAP, and classical ballet, later continuing to focus mainly on JAZZ. Upon entering university, she began learning LOCK and broadened her interest to various other genres, constantly challenging herself.

As a dancer, she has performed at showcases, dance events, and competitions. At the same time, she started working as an assistant, actively expanding the scope of her activities.

TOMOKO ISHIHARA (Dancer)

She began studying dance at the age of 18, pursuing a variety of styles with a focus on HIPHOP and JAZZ. Today, she is primarily active in the field of JAZZ. As a backup dancer for artists, she has appeared on television, in live performances, and in music videos.

In addition, she has participated in television dramas and comedy shows as a dancer. Currently, she works as an instructor and choreographer at dance schools.

ANNA MORI

Anna began studying Jazz dance at the age of three, and by high school, she was already teaching choreography. She has performed as a backup dancer for K-pop artists such as NiziU and has also served as an exclusive supporting dancer for singers of anime music in Japan. In addition, she is currently focusing on her work as an assistant choreographer, directing idols, guiding brand characters, and serving as an MC.

SHIORI NAKAGAWA

In 2024, she performed as a supporting dancer and assistant choreographer for Utahime Dream Live in June, and later appeared as a dancer in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Countdown Show in December. The following year, her career continued to flourish with notable appearances: in February 2025 she once again joined Utahime Dream Live as both supporting dancer and assistant choreographer; in March, she took on the dual role of choreographer and performer for the independent stage production 2000millenium; and in May, she showcased her artistry as part of Hanabi’s independent performance.

AYAME NAKAGAWA

She has distinguished herself in the competitive dance scene in Japan, earning the Silver Prize at the 34th JDA Dance Competition in Akita, organized by the Japan Jazz Dance Association. Her talent also shone through in group performance, where she achieved a Top 7 placement at the 18th All Japan Dance Competition in Sendai. These accomplishments highlight not only her technical skill and artistry, but also her ability to excel both as a solo performer and as part of a team.

AYANO SAKURAI

From 2023 to 2024, she worked as an entertainment performer at major theme parks in the Kansai region, captivating audiences with her energy and artistry. Currently, she balances her passion for dance by serving as an instructor for a high school dance club while also pursuing an active career as a professional dancer.

■ Images for PR and references　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　                            

Remarks: For the usage of the following images for your media, please kindly put the credit and information as below, and please get the original size of the images at link

©The Japan Foundation

■For inquiries on the program, please contact at 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Ms. Ngọc (024-3944-7419, ext. 113) ) | Mr. Osuka (076-606-0858)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
TEL 024-3944-7419