WALAKADO is a taiko group from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 2025. Its name is inspired by the Japanese proverb, Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru, which means “good fortune comes to those who smile.” Leader Ayako used to belong to an all-female group in Japan with the same name, and now Melbourne’s WALAKADO carries that spirit forward. Its Japanese predecessor performed on the EC Fringe Stage several times over the years. This year, WALAKADO is excited to make its international debut on that very same stage at EC 2026.

Aug. 23 (Sun) 15:30–15:50

Triangle Park Fringe Stage