Palermo welcomes the beauty, rhythm, and thousand-year-old tradition of the Land of the Rising Sun. On the occasion of the official opening of Japan Week 2026, the prestigious Teatro Politeama will set the stage for an extraordinary evening: an immersive journey through street music, classical and contemporary dance, ancient instruments, famous songs, martial arts, and the legendary art of the Samurai.
EVENING PROGRAM
AT THE THEATER ENTRANCE (from 7:00 PM)
SANGANESENDENSYA — Chindon-ya Performance (Traditional Street Music)
Welcoming the public outside and at the entrance of the theater will be the overwhelming energy of Chindon-ya, a true "itinerant advertising agency" and one of Japan's most unique art forms. Hailing from Aichi Prefecture, the group will march playing the typical chindon-daiko, portable bass drum, and wind instruments (saxophone and clarinet), performing popular songs from the Shōwa era and pop tracks in their unmistakable style.
ON STAGE (from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM)
Official Opening Ceremony
Opening of the event with institutional greetings and speeches by local authorities and Japanese delegations.
Nihonbuyo Yushiro no Kai — Traditional Japanese Dance (Nihon Buyo)
A refined classical art that expresses the beauty of Japan through narrative dance. Accompanied by the sounds of the shamisen, koto, and tsuzumi, alongside the stage use of fans and umbrellas, the movements depict the changing of the seasons, traditional festivities, and the most intimate feelings of Japanese poetry. Unique feature: a single dancer interprets multiple roles (men, women, parents, and children), changing characters solely through the mastery of movement and expression.
Earth Rainbow — "BEYOND — Beyond All Borders" (Contemporary Dance & Kimono)
Born from the concept "From first steps on stage to the international scene in just 3 months", Earth Rainbow brings together participants of all ages and experience levels. After debuting at the Tokyo International Forum and performing in New York, the project presents its new work in Palermo: a contemporary dance performance celebrating the strength and inner elegance of Japanese women through the beauty of the furisode (the traditional long-sleeved kimono).
YUINENO-KAI & CHIKUKUUKAI — Koto and Shakuhachi Concerts
Yuineno-kai: With over ten European tours to their credit, the group brings to Palermo the vibrant melodies of the koto and ju-shichigen (17-string koto), fused with the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and percussion.
Chikukuukai: An association dedicated to the shakuhachi, the ancient five-hole bamboo flute that has accompanied Japan's history since its origins. An intimate and intense performance that will resonate ancient timbres in the heart of Sicily.
Tow Show Girl — "Yamato Tap" (Japanese-Style Tap Dance)
An original and captivating fusion of West and East. Performing in the elegant attire of Miko (Shinto priestesses), the artists blend tap dance with the sacredness of Kagura dance, the notes of Gagaku, and popular Shōwa era songs.
Mika Kobayashi — Vocal & Piano
Internationally renowned singer-songwriter and pianist, founder of the independent label miccabose. In addition to her solo projects and regular international tours in Europe and China, Mika Kobayashi is globally famous as the original vocalist for soundtrack themes of cult anime such as Attack on Titan, The Promised Neverland, and Mobile Suit Gundam UC, as well as NHK television dramas.
MEISOUMAI ＆ Amane-ryu — Sacred Dance and Martial Arts
Meisō Mai ("Meditation Dance"): Inspired by the ritual dances of the Miko and recipient of the 2025 Higashikuninomiya Cultural Award, this discipline harmonizes mind and body in a danced prayer for world peace.
Amane-ryū (Hōjō): A discipline reinterpreting ancient Japanese philosophy and martial arts based on the principle that "mind and body are one." It offers an impactful performance combining the use of the sword, staff (jo), and dance.
Hakata-Fukurou — Wadaiko, Traditional Instruments, and Kyokushin Karate
A spectacular performance uniting three great pillars of Japanese culture: the power of Wadaiko drums, the dynamic force of Karate, and the silent discipline of Iaido (the art of swordsmanship). A convergence of "sound and silence" and "movement and stillness" that embodies the values of respect, technique, beauty, and spirit.
Samurai Artist KAMUI — Samurai Performance
Closing the evening will be the world-renowned Samurai Artist troupe, acclaimed in over 30 countries and 150 cities globally. Leader and founder Tetsuro Shimaguchi — globally recognized for acting in and choreographing the sword fighting scenes (Tate) in Quentin Tarantino's film Kill Bill: Vol. 1 — will lead a breathtaking performance blending martial arts, acting, and traditional aesthetics.
Note for the public: Admission to the event is completely free, but entry is allowed only upon advance reservation until capacity is reached. The official link for online booking will be made available very soon.
