From Ambassador (Visit from young dancers of group “Siva Ola”)
2025/11/19
Visit from young dancers of group “Siva Ola”
Special guests have arrived from Japan! Pictured are Mr. Lagi Nakaya (left) and Mr. Afi Ryota (right).
They are members of "Siva Ola," a dance team from Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki City.
"Siva Ola" is a Samoan word meaning "strong dance." This team specializes in fire knife dancing.
Fire knife dancing is reportedly based on "gestures of victory in battle," an ancient tradition passed down in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa. Dancers ignite burning flames on both ends of a large knife and dance while masterfully wielding it around their bodies like a baton. While it is now performed as a popular entertainment for tourists in hotels and other venues, witnessing it up close is truly breathtaking.
Samoa hosts an annual international fire knife dance competition. Those young dancers are participating from Japan! This marks the very first time for Japanese dancers to enter the competition.
On the 22nd, when the final competition is scheduled to be held, all embassy staff, including myself, plan to attend the venue to enthusiastically support them. Please look forward to the results!
Special guests have arrived from Japan! Pictured are Mr. Lagi Nakaya (left) and Mr. Afi Ryota (right).
They are members of "Siva Ola," a dance team from Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki City.
"Siva Ola" is a Samoan word meaning "strong dance." This team specializes in fire knife dancing.
Fire knife dancing is reportedly based on "gestures of victory in battle," an ancient tradition passed down in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa. Dancers ignite burning flames on both ends of a large knife and dance while masterfully wielding it around their bodies like a baton. While it is now performed as a popular entertainment for tourists in hotels and other venues, witnessing it up close is truly breathtaking.
Samoa hosts an annual international fire knife dance competition. Those young dancers are participating from Japan! This marks the very first time for Japanese dancers to enter the competition.
On the 22nd, when the final competition is scheduled to be held, all embassy staff, including myself, plan to attend the venue to enthusiastically support them. Please look forward to the results!