Saipan Awaodori Team bound for Guam this weekend

The Saipan Awaodori Team will perform in this weekend’s 42nd Akimatsuri Japanese Autumn Festival in Guam.

Eleven members of the Japanese traditional dance troupe will fly to the U.S. territory today, namely Coddie Forbes, Owen Quitugua, Jonathan Agulto, Cassidy Wabol, Vianny Mettao, Jeafanie Tibong, Leon Wabol, Gizelle Cabaobas, Marcela Heben, Julianne Mettao, and Ina Mettao.

They will be accompanied by PDM Promoters, Inc. promoter and CEO Misako Kamata.

This is the second time the Saipan Awaodori Team has been invited to the Akimatsuri Japanese Autumn Festival after the group also made the trip last year, which marked its first off-island performance post the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The team’s first performance last year was well received and applauded by the crowd. So, they were invited again and this time we chose the best among the team so Guam audiences will be entertained and will enjoy seeing them perform again. The CNMI will surely be proud of them,” said Kamata.

Aside from the Akimatsuri Japanese Autumn Festival on Nov. 18 at the Ypao Beach Park, the Saipan Awaodori Team has also been invited to perform in several other events.

They include shows at the Guma Trankilidat, Agana Heights Mayor’s Office, and Skinner Plaza for Food Truck Day on Thursday.

Friday’s itinerary includes performances at the Tamuning Senior Center, Micronesia Mall, Guam Japanese School, Guam Premium Outlet, and Festival Eve Dinner. (Saipan Tribune)