MANILA, Philippines - For aspiring dancers, getting the chance to learn from a global icon is a rare core memory. This year, that opportunity is actually happening for a lot of young talent in the Philippines.

To mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in 2026, the Japan Foundation is bringing back the world-renowned Filipino-Japanese choreographer RIEHATA for a special cultural exchange project.

If you've watched music videos or live stages for BTS, Chris Brown, TWICE, Lisa (Blackpink), NCT 127, Aespa, G-Dragon, or PSY, you’ve seen RIEHATA’s work. She is one of the most influential choreographers in the global dance scene right now, known for her distinct style and massive creative vision.

Now, she’s paying it forward. Earlier this year, RIEHATA personally flew to Manila and Davao to run auditions and workshops. Instead of just scouting from afar, she got into the studios with hundreds of local dancers, sharing the exact insights and techniques that took her to the world's biggest stages.

But this project isn't just a standard talent search. The goal is to build a community where young artists from both Japan and the Philippines can collaborate, learn from each other, and grow together. The hope is that this initiative will become a long-term platform for creative exchange?proving that dance can effortlessly bridge cultures and languages where words fall short.

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