We are excited to tell you all about the line up for EC 2025—the 38th annual Earth Celebration. With Sado Island as the stage, we hope to excite, delight, and move you in new ways! We hope you’ll join us this summer for three days of compelling live performances and unique opportunities to enjoy the culture, nature, and tastes of Sado Island. On the EC festival map, there are three main areas in Ogi—Blue, Yellow, and Green—taking festivalgoers to a range of great locales throughout the historic port town. We’re excited to show you the new offerings we’ve got planned in each area this year. Blue Area is centered around Ogi Port Park, home to EC’s main stage—hosting the nightly Harbour Concerts—and Harbour Market, a popular hangout with plenty of stalls. Yellow Area surrounds the historic Ogi Shopping Street district, which includes Triangle Park, host to the Fringe Stage and Market. Green Area encompasses Kisaki Shrine and hilltop Shiroyama Park–the latter will host a pop-up campsite, providing convenient accommodation during the festival. Harbour Concerts (Blue Area) Experience the full lineup of Harbour Concerts—EC’s main event—featuring host artist Kodo with guest artists from Japan and around the world. For Earth Beat Groove on Day 3, we have two returning guest artists: Ben Aylon and Choi Jaechol. They will be joined by members of Doudou N'Diaye Rose Percussion Orchestra from Senegal, a group who appeared at EC 1992 and significantly influenced Kodo’s music. On Day 2, we are thrilled to welcome el tempo, a Japan-based music project led by Kavka Shishido, bringing their mesmerizing improv percussion performances to EC for the first time! Day 1 | Aug. 22 (Fri) Kodo Synergy Director: Yuta Kimura (Kodo) Featuring: Kodo Day 2 | Aug. 23 (Sat) el tempo x Kodo Director: Mitsuru Ishizuka (Kodo) Featuring: el tempo, Kodo Day 3 | Aug. 24 (Sun) Earth Beat Groove Director: Yuta Sumiyoshi (Kodo) Featuring: Aly Ndiaye Rose, Ben Aylon, Baye Dame Bou Yaye, Choi Jaechol, Dourfal Ndiaye Rose, Kodo Workshops & Experiences (Other Areas) We've prepared a fantastic lineup of activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including: ・opportunities to discover folk performing arts from Sado Island ・a chance for beginners and people with some experience to learn Japanese instruments ・eurhythmics activities for younger children to enjoy music, movement, and play ・a visit to Kodo Rehearsal Hall, which is usually closed to the public Free Events (Yellow Area) The town area including Ogi Shopping Street, Triangle Park, Ayusu Hall will have performances and other free events to enjoy. ・Special Fringe ・Dreaming of the Kodo Stage—All About Kodo Apprentice Centre ・Fringe (Applications currently open!) ・Ogi Shopping Street Events Markets There will be three pop-up marketplaces during EC to enjoy tasty treats and find an array of goods: Harbour Market (Blue Area), Fringe Market and EC Fair in Ogi Shopping Street (Yellow Area). Please help reduce waste by bringing a shopping bag and reusable cutlery. Get Involved in EC Many people pitch in each year to help make Earth Celebration a success. Want to get involved? There’s a variety of ways to lend a hand, like signing up as a supporter, Fringe performer, or Harbour Market stall holder. We also have applications open for taiko groups who want to perform at Big Little Taiko Fest. Help us make EC fun for everyone! The Fringe performer and Harbour Market stall holder applications are now open! (Applications close May 31) Other applications that are now open: ・Big Little Taiko Fest 2025 (Applications close May 31) ・Become an EC Supporter (Applications close June 30) New information will be added to our website in the coming days and weeks, so be sure to check in for the latest event info. Ticket sales will start from June 12 (Thu). We look forward to seeing you on Sado Island this summer for Earth Celebration!