Hanabi (華美) Dances in Vietnam, Sharing the Joy of Dance with Junior and Senior High School Students

The Japan Foundation (JF) is pleased to announce the dispatch of the Japanese-style jazz dance team Hanabi (華美), led by choreographer MIWA, who are renowned for showcasing the beauty of Japan worldwide. The team will perform and conduct workshops in Hai Phong, Vietnam, for local junior and senior high -school students studying Japanese.

In their performance, the group will present a new dance celebration woven from a divine tale and J-POP, featuring stunning choreography set to beautiful shamisen melodies, as well as popular anime songs and J-POP. The event will also include interactive programs where local students will be able to take part on stage.

In addition, workshops will be held at schools supported by JF’s “NIHONGO Partners Program”, which promotes Japanese-language education and cultural exchange.

With the growing popularity of Japanese dances such as YOSAKOI in Vietnam, this event offers students a unique opportunity to experience diverse and creative Japanese culture of Now through Hanabi’s dynamic performances.

※This project is part of the “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0”, a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative that aims to promote exchange among the youth of the next generation and develop human resources in Japan and the ASEAN nations.

Performance Overview

華宴 -Hanaen- ＜A Divine Tale Meets J-Pop＞
Date & Time Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 19:30
Venue Hai Phong Opera House, Vietnam
Admission By invitation only
Organizer The Japan Foundation
Co-organizer Foreign Affairs Department of Hai Phong City
Cultural Exchange Program (Workshops) at Schools in Hai Phong City
Date Thursday, October 2 – Friday, October 3, 2025
Organizer The Japan Foundation
Co-organizer Foreign Affairs Department of Hai Phong City
Venue Schools in Hai Phong City hosting the NIHONGO Partners Program (approximately 3 schools; details to be finalized)
Program Dance lessons conducted by members of Hanabi

Artist Profile

MIWA

Photos of the artist [MIWA]

Born in Tokyo, Japan, MIWA is a choreographer, director, dancer, and instructor known for her unique fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary dance. As the director of the Japanese-style jazz dance team Hanabi, she leads the group with a distinct artistic vision.
In 2018, her exceptional work was recognized with the Grand Prize at “Legend Tokyo Chapter.8”, Japan’s most prestigious dance competition, earning the title of the 8th Legend.
In 2019, she choreographed and performed in the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.
As another notable recent achievement, she choreographed the original performing arts productions KAGUYA and MYSTERIO aboard the luxury cruise ship Asuka III.
Renowned for her dazzling expression and dynamic ensemble work, MIWA continues to gain acclaim both in Japan and internationally. Her contributions span choreography, judging, instruction, and production, all while promoting the beauty of Japanese culture to the world through the art of dance.

華美–Hanabi-

Photos of the artist [華美–Hanabi-]

Hanabi is a Japanese-style jazz dance team founded in 2019 under the direction of MIWA. The team is composed of 20 members, including lead dancers and trainees.
Based on the concept of “Dancing from the heart, delivering to the heart,” Hanabi expresses an elegant world in which traditional Japanese aesthetics (“Wa”) and Western dance elements harmoniously coexist.
Dancers perform in meticulously designed kimono-inspired costumes, incorporating traditional props such as folding fans, Japanese umbrellas (wagasa), and masks into their choreography. Every movement is precisely crafted to reflect a deep appreciation for both visual beauty and storytelling.
Hanabi also explores innovative collaborations between traditional Japanese performing arts and modern technology, expanding their creative scope through performances that combine cultural richness with striking theatrical flair. Their work continues to evolve, offering a uniquely vibrant interpretation of “Wa” on both domestic and international stages.

NIHONGO Partners Program

NIHONGO Partners are sent to junior high schools, senior high schools, and other institutions in Asia to serve as partners for Japanese -language teachers and their students by acting as teaching assistants and introducing Japanese culture. No prior knowledge or experience in Japanese -language education is required. Anyone is welcome to apply as long as they meet the application requirements.

Since the program began in 2014, a total of 3,483 individuals* have been sent to 14 countries and regions over the past 11 years, actively serving as bridges between Japan and the rest of Asia. For 2025, we plan to recruit 291 participants who will be sent to 9 countries and regions.

*This number includes participants in university-affiliated internship programs.

[Contact Us]

The Japan Foundation
Persons in Charge: Tanabe (Ms.), Matsuoka (Mr.)
Tel: +81-(0)3-5369-6063
E-mail: pa＠jpf.go.jp
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