Media Release

For Immediate Release | May 27, 2026

SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN to Perform First-Ever Shows in Australia

Three groundbreaking Japanese musical acts will make their Australian debut this June, with SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN lighting up the stage at RISING Melbourne.

Having already gained international attention for their genre-defying approaches and innovative modes of expression, these artists will perform in Australia for the first time 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. ⁠

Led by sitar master Yoshida Daikiti and joined by two avant-rock icons from The Boredoms, SAICOBAB make Indian raga drones spiked with experimental Japanese rock.

A self-described creative mixture unit from Tokyo, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN combine percussive grooves and turntablism with soaring synths to make high-energy, genre-bending pop.

Blending elements of folk traditions and Japanese min’yō, HUGEN make blissful, jazzy electronica rooted in inherited forms and open-ended drift.

Through live performances spanning contemporary pop, electronic music and improvisational and experimental sounds, Australian audiences will be able to experience firsthand the diversity and vitality of Japan’s contemporary music scene.

Presented by the Japan Foundation (JF), these shows will be held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. 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.

SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN will perform as part of Day Tripper on June 6, 2026 (Saturday) from 12pm.

Event Details

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.