CNMI Chamorro and Carolinian dancers participated in the 27th Nippon Domannaka Festival in Nagoya, Japan, from Aug. 29 to 31, 2025.
Led by Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc., the performers joined over 200 other dance groups from Japan, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific at what is considered the largest cultural festival in Nagoya.
CCVI official and Pacific Development Incorporated’s managing director Gordon Marciano said CNMI dancers have been participating in the Domannaka Festival for the past 24 years.
The CNMI delegation was also invited to join the welcoming reception at Nagoya Civic Hall, Marciano added.
“We had the pleasure of meeting the Mayor of Nagoya, Mr. Ichiro Hirosawa, as well as Japan’s major businesses, government officials, and the heads of each cultural dance organization from Japan,” Marciano said.
The cultural dancers were joined by 2025 Liberation Day Queen Kaypeonie Mendiola, alongside officials from the Indigenous Affairs Office and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The dance group performed on the festival’s main stage before a large crowd.
According to Marciano, this year, the CNMI delegation received support from PDI, CCVI, KKMP Radio, MVA, the Liberation Day Committee, Hybrid Shop 670, Aqua Resort Club, the Indigenous Affairs Office under the Governor’s Office, and the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
CNMI Chamorro and Carolinian dancers pose for a photo at the 27th Domannaka Festival welcoming reception at Nagoya Civic Hall in Japan.
CNMI Chamorro and Carolinian dancers perform on the main stage during the 27th Nippon Domannaka Festival in Nagoya, Japan.
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