Japanese Musical Acts at Rising Melbourne and Vivid Sydney
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, the Japan Foundation (JF) will present three groundbreaking Japanese musical acts as they perform their first-ever shows in Australia. Having already gained international attention for their genre-defying approaches and innovative modes of expression, SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN will make their Australian debuts at RISING Melbourne and Vivid Sydney.
By fostering direct artistic exchange through music, this initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding between Japan and Australia and to further promote cultural exchange between the two countries.
Learn more about 50th anniversary events here.
Day Tripper, Rising Melbourne
June 6, 2026
Having already gained international attention for their genre-defying approaches and innovative modes of expression, SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN will make their Australian debut at Day Tripper, a festival-within-a-festival happening as part of RISING on June 6, 2026. This annual day trip of music, performance and primal release spans eight hours, four stages and twenty acts.
Tumbalong Nights, Vivid Sydney
June 8, 2026
In Sydney, HUGEN and NIKO NIKO TAN TAN will light up the stage with musical performances taking place as part of Vivid Sydney’s Tumbalong Nights. Free for all to enjoy, this concert will take place on June 8, 2026 from 6pm to 10pm.
Performing Artists
SAICOBAB
SAICOBAB is a Japanese quartet comprising vocalist YoshimiO (Boredoms, OOIOO), Yoshida Daikiti (sitar), Akita Goldman (bass), and the acclaimed Motoyuki “Hama” Hamamoto (percussion, gamelan). The group channels the energy of living music traditions through ecstatic performance, masterfully blending their understanding of ancient musical forms with unexpected contemporary rhythms.
NIKO NIKO TAN TAN
NIKO NIKO TAN TAN is a collision of music and art that combines disco synths, jazz and J-Pop choruses with a live VJ providing colourful visuals. Popping up across festival line-ups globally, this alternative dance act have made a name for themselves creating immersive stages where music, visuals and artwork merge together seamlessly.
Consisting of OCHAN (Vo, Synth & Gt), Anabebe (Dr) and Drug Store Cowboy (Creative Director / Movie / Artwork), the group also perform DJ sets under the alternate name Hohoemi Tantan, expanding their presence within club culture.
HUGEN
Incorporating wind instruments, bells and saxophone, HUGEN‘s electronic folk is immensely relaxing yet danceable, with smooth beats guiding tracks underneath.
Formed in 2024, this four-piece has made a fast impression in Japan’s alt-electronic scene. Off the back of debut EP Matsuri, the band played Fuji Rock Festival’s Rookie A-Go-Go! stage for emerging acts, and were nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the Tokyo Alter Music Awards.
Presented by
Held in Commemoration Of
EVENT DETAILS
Day Tripper at Rising Melbourne
June 6, 2026 (Saturday)
12pm-8pm
Tickets required
Tumbalong Nights at Vivid Sydney
June 8, 2026 (Monday)
6pm-10pm
Free; bookings not required
VENUES
Melbourne Town Hall
90-130 Swanston St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Max Watt’s
125 Swanston St
Melbourne VIC 3000 (enter via Presgrave Place in Night Trade)
Tumbalong Park
11 Harbour St
Sydney NSW 2000
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055