To give you a head start on your summer travel planning, we are excited to share the Earth Celebration (EC) 2026 pre-launch website ahead of our full program announcement. This year’s festival will take place from August 21 to 23. Featuring host artist Kodo and special guests, the Harbour Concerts each evening form the heart of the event, offering audiences a series of truly unique, serendipitous performance experiences. Harbour Concert News This year, Kodo will welcome the following guest artists to the main stage for exciting new collaborations. ■ International Guest Artist: Khusugtun (Mongolia) Making their EC debut, Khusugtun is a leading ensemble from Mongolia that showcases traditional instruments and folk music with powerful, contemporary sound. Prepare for a breathtaking musical experience as a variety of traditional Mongolian instruments and the profound art of khoomii (throat singing) meet the powerful resonance of Kodo’s taiko. Come and immerse yourself in what promises to be a truly sublime soundscape! ■ Domestic Guest Artist: Miyake-jima Geino Doshi-kai This year, crowd-favorite Miyake-jima Geino Doshi-kai returns to EC and the main stage. Comprised of a father and his three sons from Miyake Island, south of Tokyo, the family first connected with Kodo decades ago, inspiring the iconic piece Miyake. Since 2011, they have collaborated regularly with the ensemble through their Matsurine [Festival Sound] series. At long last, this powerful production will light up the Harbour Concert stage, making its outdoor debut against a perfect seaside summer setting. Don’t miss it! We invite you to join us on Sado Island for this extraordinary convergence of global folk music and traditional performing arts. Big Little Taiko Fest 2026: Applications Now Open! Big Little Taiko Fest returns for the fourth year in a row. Come and perform at EC with your group, fellow taiko enthusiasts, and Kodo. You’ll create a special concert together and drum your hearts out! This year, this event is moving to an indoor venue, in light of the extreme summer heat in recent years. This change ensures a safer and more comfortable setting for the performers and audience alike. Applications opened today and will be accepted until Apr. 26 (Sun). We look forward to hearing from you! Official Website Launch All further information about this year’s festival, including a detailed 3-day schedule, will be announced when the full EC 2026 website goes live. Stay tuned for Japanese info on Mar. 21 (Sat), followed by English info on Apr. 4 (Sat). Please follow EC on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates!