Marutakeebisu and 5%BERMUDA Win Final Audition; Heading to Canada This Summer for [OTOGULA LIVE in CANADA 2026]

In 2026, Otogula Kansai will take the main stage at 'Japan Festival CANADA,' one of North America's largest Japanese cultural festivals hosted by Japan Expo Canada Inc., which attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. The organization launched an audition to select artists with a strong passion for performing on the world stage.

Contesting for two performance spots in Canada, over 160 entries were whittled down through preliminary rounds to six artists who advanced to the final live audition on May 16 at 'Soap opera classics-Umeda-' in Osaka.

The event was livestreamed globally, and featured an innovative judging system where domestic and international fans joined the three judges in voting. The packed venue was filled with excitement by the diverse and compelling performances.

The final live audition featured performances by Alice Peralta, Shin Tokyo, 5%BERMUDA, Spriegel, MANPA, and Marutakeebisu.

Following a rigorous evaluation, Marutakeebisu (1st place) and 5%BERMUDA (2nd place) were awarded performance rights at 'OTOGULA LIVE in CANADA 2026' along with travel expenses to Canada as a secondary prize.

Comments from Marutakeebisu: 'We were so happy that the three of us shouted when we found out we were selected for the festival in Canada! We met in the same class and have been playing as a band in Kyoto; we never imagined we would have the opportunity to play overseas. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us this far! But Marutakeebisu has only just begun. We will perform with our full energy to show the coolness of Japanese girl bands in Canada!'

Comments from 5%BERMUDA: 'Our first time in Canada! We are so excited! We were able to win this opportunity thanks to the support of many people. Thank you so much!! In Canada, we will put our all into the stage so that people of all ages can enjoy our performance with a smile beyond the language barrier, and so that our power reaches back to Japan!!'

The two selected artists will share Japanese music with the world from the stage in Canada on August 15 and 16!

About Japan Festival CANADA: One of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in North America, offering a space to experience Japanese food, culture, and technology. It provides a wide range of content, from traditional performing arts to modern pop culture, food stalls, and technology booths. It also serves as a platform for 'Culture x Business x Promotion,' aiming to promote cultural and economic exchange between Canada and Japan and support companies' entry into the North American market. - Location: Mississauga Celebration Square, Mississauga, Canada (Toronto commercial area) - Date: August 15 (Sat) and 16 (Sun) - Attendance: Over 120,000 visitors over two days (2025 results) - Organizer: Japan Expo Canada Inc.

About Otogula Kansai: 'Fill the city with music' and 'Create a foundation for the next generation of artists to soar.' With these core principles, Otogula Kansai is operated by the Osaka Kurayashiki Foundation, with students as major members operating mainly in the Kansai area. It currently has about 20,000 registered fans and over 1,000 artists. It is a highly active site, with monthly PVs exceeding 200,000 during voting periods. Main Events: - Amagasaki Music Park (Amamyu): A local music event in Amagasaki. - Otoyoi: An acoustic event creating night-time bustle in Nara. - Otogula Circuit Fes: A circuit music festival held in live houses in the Osaka Kita area.