Japanese Artists SAICOBAB, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, HUGEN to Play Australian Festivals RISING and VIVID SYDNEY

Three Japanese acts will perform at major Australian music festivals RISING in Melbourne and VIVID SYDNEY in June 2026. The performances are part of a cultural exchange program by The Japan Foundation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

The lineup includes the experimental quartet SAICOBAB and the alternative dance act NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, who will perform at both festivals. The electronic project HUGEN will join them for the Sydney event. The bookings resulted from a visit to Japan by RISING's Head of Music, Hayley Perse, who saw the artists during a Japan Foundation program last year.

SAICOBAB features members known for avant-garde work, including YoshimiO of OOIOO and Boredoms, sitar player Yoshida Daikichi, and percussionist Hamamoto "HAMA" Tomoyuki. Their performances blend traditional music with modern reconstruction.

NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, formed in 2019, is known for immersive live shows that combine music, video, and artwork. They also perform DJ sets under the name "微笑坦々" (Bishou Tantan). HUGEN, centered on vocalist/producer TP, creates alternative electronic music incorporating folk elements. The project formed in 2024 and performed at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25.

At RISING, the artists will perform on June 6 at Melbourne Town Hall and Max Watt's as part of the "Day Tripper" event. Tickets are available for purchase. For VIVID SYDNEY, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN will play a free show on June 8 at Tumbalong Park.

Music from NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN is available on global streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

Source: PR Times via 国際交流基金