The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) welcomed cultural dance groups from Japan and Taiwan to Guam in commemoration of the island’s 82nd Liberation Day. Through their performances and cultural activities, the groups helped strengthen the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between Guam and the two countries.
The participating groups were AMATA, a Japanese yosakoi dance team, Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’, a Japan-based group dedicated to preserving and promoting CHamoru cultural dance, and the Taiwan Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team.
AMATA is a yosakoi performance team based in Hokkaido and Tokyo. The group previously performed at the Liberation Weekend Block Party at Paseo in Guam in 2024. AMATA was the First place Contemporary Division winner at the Inaugural Guam International Dance Festival held in December 2025.
Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’ is a CHamoru cultural dance group based in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, led by Asami Nohira. Under the guidance of Master Frank Rabon, the group became Japan’s first officially recognized CHamoru dance group in 2011. Its members, ranging from children to adults, continue to preserve and share CHamoru culture through dance.
The Taiwan Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team is composed of around 70 members from Taiwan. Since their arrival on Guam on July 18, 2026, the group performed at multiple locations across the island and engaged in cultural activities to celebrate Guam’s Liberation Day alongside the local community for its third year in a row.
The three groups shared the stage during a special Liberation Day edition of the Tumon Night Market on July 21, 2026, which featured CHamoru cultural performances, live entertainment, local cuisine, and community vendors. The event brought together visitors and residents to celebrate Guam’s Liberation while highlighting the value of cultural exchange.
During the event, AMATA presented an energetic yosakoi performance, while Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’ showcased traditional dances rooted in CHamoru culture. Together, the performances offered visitors and residents an opportunity to experience the enduring cultural connections between Guam and Japan. The visit by the Taiwan band was not only a vibrant performance, but also served as a profound gesture of solidarity and support for Guam’s recovery post-typhoon. By sharing traditional cultural heritage and peaceful demonstrations of Falun Dafa exercises, the group aimed to deepen the long-standing cultural ties and friendship shared between Taiwan and Guam.
“We were honored to welcome AMATA, Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’, and the Falun Dafa Band back to our island during this year’s Liberation celebration,” said Régine Biscoe Lee, GVB President and CEO. “Their performances reflected more than entertainment by showcasing the genuine friendships and deep cultural connections that have linked Guam with both Japan and Taiwan for generations. Moments like these remind us that our traditions and Håfa Adai spirit strengthens the bonds between our communities, promotes enduring peace, and creates meaningful experiences for both residents and visitors.”
During their stay, members of Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’ also participated in a CHamoru cultural workshop led by Master Frank Rabon at the Barrigada Mayor’s Office and Community Center. The workshop provided the group with an opportunity to deepen its knowledge of CHamoru traditions and further strengthen its relationship with Guam’s cultural community. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Falun Dafa Waist Band performed at multiple venues and villages during their visit.
The participation of these groups highlights the Guam Visitors Bureau’s continuous dedication to strengthening ties between Guam and its primary source markets. GVB fosters mutual cultural exchange and reinforces the long-standing bond between the communities by using cultural initiatives and live events to elevate awareness and respect for Guam’s history, traditions, and people among audiences in Japan and Taiwan.
The Guam Visitors Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to the performers, families, cultural leaders, event organizers, and community partners who supported the groups’ participation in the Liberation Day celebration.
