[Upopoy] Shiraoi, Hokkaido | Special Performance by the Narwan Music and Dance Troupe from the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park

Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), operated by the Ainu Culture Promotion Center (based in Sapporo; Chairperson: Teruki Motomoto), will host a special performance by the Narwan Music and Dance Troupe, based in the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, to commemorate the signing of a cooperation agreement with the preparatory office of the National Museum of Indigenous People.

This will be the group's second performance at Upopoy, following their 2024 visit, which was held in response to the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park.

A signing ceremony for the cooperation agreement with the National Museum of Indigenous People's preparatory office will be held on the day before the special performance, on Saturday, June 20.

Outline: Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 - Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony Venue: Porot Cise; Time: 9:30 - 10:00

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026 1. Narwan Music and Dance Troupe Special Performance Venue: Experience Hall Morning: 11:00 - 11:30 - Puyuma Tribe "Thinking of the Annual Festival" Afternoon: 13:00 - 13:30 - Amis Tribe "Racinshi of Atulan" 2. Cultural Experience Venue: Fureai Hall Morning: 10:00 - 10:30 - Flower Crown Making Afternoon: 14:00 - 15:30 - Coaster Making 3. Mobile Museum Mini Exhibition & Quiz Venue: Fureai Hall Morning: 10:00 - 12:00 Afternoon: 13:00 - 16:00 4. Traditional Costume Trial Experience Venue: Fureai Hall Morning: 10:00 - 11:00 Afternoon: 14:00 - 16:00

The Narwan Music and Dance Troupe, established in 1990, is a national-level indigenous performing arts group representing Taiwan. Under the guidance of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, it is cultivated by the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Center and based in the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park.

For over 30 years, the troupe has centered its work on indigenous culture, developing stage works that combine cultural depth and modern expression through fieldwork, interviews, bodily performance practices, and translation into music and dance, preserving tribal history, linguistic memory, ritual spirit, and life wisdom.

The troupe's creations start from the community and focus on responding to cultural experiences in land, ocean, and modern society. By using the body as a narrative medium, they re-establish the relationship between indigenous peoples and the world. Their work is a form of cultural practice; through music, dance, and drama, audiences can witness the flowing and continuously evolving power of indigenous cultures.

The Narwan Music and Dance Troupe not only dedicates itself to promoting indigenous music and dance culture in Taiwan but also actively participates in international art exchanges and cultural diplomacy, with numerous achievements in international cooperation.

Through the energy cultivated by their creative activities and international exchange experience, the Narwan Music and Dance Troupe continues to broaden international awareness of modern performing arts by indigenous peoples.

About Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony) Opened in Shiraoi, Hokkaido in 2020 as a center for the revival and creation of Ainu culture. It consists of the National Ainu Museum, the National Ainu Park, and a memorial facility. Located by Lake Poroto, it allows visitors to experience Ainu culture and history through various means.