Participating Artists & Groups (in order of appearance)

Dance & Physical Expression

teng (Tengu)
Born in 1983 in Niigata City, teng began dancing under the influence of HIP HOP culture. Until 2008, he performed and choreographed both in Japan and internationally. In 2009, he relocated his base to Niigata. Through collaborations with musicians and artists, he began researching Butoh and exploring new forms of physical expression. Since 2024, he has served as Director of the SADO Mirai Project.
Selected appearances include: UNIQLO MIX PLAY, Missy Elliott – Ching-a-Ling, and Martin Solveig – C’est la vie.

Noroma Ningyō (Traditional Comic Puppet Theater)

Koeiza Puppet Theater
Sado City has long been home to three forms of traditional puppet theater—Sekkyō Ningyō, Noroma Ningyō, and Bun’ya Ningyō—all designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan. Today, Koeiza is the only troupe on Sado continuing this tradition.

Noroma Ningyō originated as comic interludes performed between Sekkyō puppet plays. A single puppeteer manipulates a sharp-witted “tsukkomi” character, delivering skillful dialogue in the Sado dialect. Incorporating current topics and satire, performances unfold spontaneously in response to the atmosphere, delighting audiences with humor.

Lunch Program

Mele Pāle Kaiko
A medicinal cuisine restaurant and event/wedding space located in Mushizaki, Sado Island. Incorporating knowledge of traditional Japanese medicinal food practices, the restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients nurtured by Sado’s natural environment. Guests can fully enjoy the island’s bounty through simple yet deeply flavorful dishes that bring out the best in each ingredient.

Address: 213 Mushizaki, Sado City
Tel: +81-259-26-2856
Hours: 11:00–15:00
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

Sado Okesa & Japanese Classical Dance

Toki Sanae-kai
Founded by a master instructor of the Kotobuki School of Nihon Buyō (classical Japanese dance), certified Sado folk song teacher, and bridal kimono dressing instructor, born in Ryōtsu, Sado City.

In 1990, while living in Yokohama, she premiered Toki no Mai (Dance of the Crested Ibis) in Sado. Returning to Sado in 2007, she established Toki Sanae-kai. Each year, the group dedicates dance performances at the Noh stage of Shiizaki Suwa Shrine in Ryōtsu.

Recent activities include performing in the “Wa no Wa” cultural program at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and appearances at Art Mix Japan in Niigata. With a practice studio in Kamo Utashiro, Sado City, the group works under the motto: “Revitalizing Sado through dance.”

Creative Workshop

Morito Yoshida
Born in 1972 on Sado Island, Morito Yoshida began his artistic career in Tokyo in 1995. He later based himself in the United States and Okinawa before returning to Sado, where he currently works. He is the founder and general producer of the Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival. In recent years, in addition to installation art, he has created paintings and sound works.

Oni Daiko (Demon Drumming)

Kasuga Oni-gumi
Sado is home to approximately 118 Oni Daiko groups, each preserving distinct regional characteristics. Kasuga Oni Daiko belongs to the Kuninaka lineage. It originated in the Kyōhō era (1716–1736), when Noh performer Ukyo Kiyofusa Honma incorporated elements of Noh dance. During the Ansei era (1854–1860), Rokunosuke Sekiguchi further developed the drumming style, completing the Katagami school, which was transmitted to Kasuga in 1931.

The tradition has since been passed down from parent to child and among community members. Facing depopulation and a declining youth population, the group has embraced new initiatives such as welcoming international members, performing overseas, and establishing branches abroad.

Rap & Live Music

SWAMP
Since his teenage years, SWAMP has been active in songwriting and live performance. He currently leads “Swamp Gypsy Caravan,” blending rap with gypsy jazz. His first album is now available digitally.

Since 2005, he has also worked as a radio personality, building a career in narration, event hosting, and program production, while engaging in product development and event production. He serves as navigator for the outdoor program A Laid-back Life – Traveling Tent (BSN Radio).

Film Screening: Journey

Director: John Williams
A young woman visits a remote village on Sado Island to photograph traditional puppets, only to discover that they are no longer performed. In dreams—and in reality—she begins to see the puppets in abandoned houses and at local shrines.

The puppets tell the story of another young woman who lived long ago in a different era—and perhaps of a ghostly version of herself.