Edwin Rivera
ARTIST • CHOREOGRAPHER • MUSIC PRODUCER • DJ • FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
From the Bronx, New York, to stages in over 50 countries, Edwin Rivera has dedicated his life to sharing Latin music, dance and culture with the world.
An internationally acclaimed salsa dancer, choreographer, DJ and music producer, Edwin made history as the first Latin dancer to perform a salsa solo in a Hollywood feature film, “El Cantante” alongside Marc Anthony & Jennifer Lopez.
With decades of international experience, his career spans music production, live performances, artist development, and the creation of major international Latin dance events. He is the founder of the Children Teen Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico and has served as Artistic Director to many of the top Latin dance festivals throughout the world.
Edwin also brings his New York and Puerto Rican musical roots to dance floors around the world, celebrating the timeless sounds of salsa, mambo, and Latin music.
As the founder and producer of Japan Latin Weekend. Edwin continues his mission of connecting cultures, honoring the legends who paved the way and creating opportunities for the next generation of artists.
This year he returns to Tokyo not only as the festival’s producer but also as a performing artist, celebrating the music, culture and community that have shaped his extraordinary journey.
Join Edwin Rivera at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Jaime & Mary
Representing a unique fusion of Japan and India , London-based duo Honoka & Akhil bring an original expression of New York Salsa to the stage. Having trained with and represented renowned teams in New York and London, their dancing blends technical precision with elegant expression.
The duo is thrilled to debut their first solo couple show—a captivating performance rooted in romantic storytelling. Get ready to experience a journey of connection and artistry as Honoka & Akhil bring their globally honed expertise to the Japan Latin weekend.
Join Jaime & Marry at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Honoka & Akhil
Representing a unique fusion of Japan and India , London-based duo Honoka & Akhil bring an original expression of New York Salsa to the stage. Having trained with and represented renowned teams in New York and London, their dancing blends technical precision with elegant expression.
The duo is thrilled to debut their first solo couple show—a captivating performance rooted in romantic storytelling. Get ready to experience a journey of connection and artistry as Honoka & Akhil bring their globally honed expertise to the Japan Latin weekend.
Join Honoka and Akhil at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Honoka Behl
Representing a unique fusion of Japan and India , London-based duo Honoka & Akhil bring an original expression of New York Salsa to the stage. Having trained with and represented renowned teams in New York and London, their dancing blends technical precision with elegant expression.
The duo is thrilled to debut their first solo couple show—a captivating performance rooted in romantic storytelling. Get ready to experience a journey of connection and artistry as Honoka & Akhil bring their globally honed expertise to the Japan Latin weekend.
Join Honoka Behl at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Cucala Dance Company
Cucala Dance Company brings together the unmistakable energy, diversity, and soul of New York mambo on 2
.
Directed by Gabriela Nuñez and Andre Irving, Cucala is a professional performance company whose dancers come from cultures and communities around the world, united by their passion for mambo/salsa. The company has brought its vibrant New York style to dance events, congresses, showcases and special performances.
.
More than a performance team, Cucala represents a multicultural dance community built around creative expression, personal growth, connection and the celebration of dance. Their philosophy is captured in their motto: “One Community. A World of Dance.”
.
For the first time, Cucala Dance Company will be performing AND teaching at the 2026 Japan Latin Weekend Festival in Tokyo!
.
We are excited to welcome this incredible New York City dance company to Japan as they share their energy, style, knowledge and passion for mambo/salsa with the Japan Latin Weekend community.
Join Cucala Dance Company at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Sonali & Adi from India
13x Professional category champions in Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba categories | Organizers: La Afro Vacay, Bangalore.
The dynamic duo Sonali and Adi are renowned for their electrifying performances, thorough teaching methods, and unparalleled dedication to deliver excellence. With their infectious energy and visionary approach, Sonali and Adi have left an indelible mark on the Afro Latin community, shaping the landscape of dance culture both at home and abroad. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and captivated by this.
Join sonali and adi at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Hide and Peko
Join Hide and Peko on their journey as they spread the love of bachata, one dance at a time.
Haruka
Haruka is a talented Japanese bachata dancer, performer, and instructor based in Tokyo, Japan, known for her elegance, musicality, and deep passion for Latin dance culture. Through her dedication to the art of bachata, Haruka has become part of the growing movement of dancers helping expand and elevate the Latin dance community throughout Japan.
Recognized for her graceful style, strong stage presence, and connection on the dance floor, Haruka continues to inspire dancers through performances, social dancing, and her commitment to constant growth as an artist. Her love for music and dance shines through in every appearance, creating memorable experiences for audiences and fellow dancers alike.
As part of Japan’s vibrant Latin dance scene, Haruka represents the beauty of cultural connection through dance and the continued evolution of bachata in Asia.
Japan Latin Weekend is honored to welcome Haruka as part of the 2026 festival in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan, where she will share her passion, talent, and artistry with dancers from around the world..
Join Haruka at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Beto Sensei
Beto Sensei is a renowned Colombian dancer who made his mark in Japan as a pioneer of Cali Colombia-style salsa. After relocating from Colombia, he brought his expertise and passion to the Japanese dance scene almost 20 years ago, revolutionizing the way salsa is taught and performed.
Join Beto Sensei at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Sonia Rivera
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Sonia Rivera has dedicated her career to sharing the passion, culture and traditions of salsa with dancers around the world.
As the founder and owner of Diamond Dancers International in Tampa, Florida, Sonia has built a home for dancers to develop their artistry, technique and love for Latin dance. Since opening her studio in 2012, she has continued to share her knowledge of Puerto Rican and New York-style salsa, including both On1 and On2. Beyond the dance floor, Sonia has served as a choreographer, competition judge, artistic director and mentor to young dancers. Her international experience includes teaching workshops, coaching dance companies and creating more than 250 choreographies across multiple Latin dance styles.
Her contributions to the salsa community were recognized at the 2015 Los Angeles Salsa Congress, where she received an award honoring her impact on people’s lives through salsa.
Japan Latin Weekend is proud to welcome Sonia Rivera to Tokyo, October 30th – November 2nd, 2026! Join us as she brings her Puerto Rican sabor, extensive international experience and passion for salsa education to Japan.
Puerto Rico to Japan
Join Sonia Rivera at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Grace & Sho
Dynamic Duo Redefining Dance; Since partnering in January 2024, Grace & Show have been electrifying stages across Europe and Asia as solo artists and as a duo. Rooted in Sensual Bachata, their style blends seamlessly with Hip-Hop and other genres, showcasing their extensive dance experience.
Grace, a trailblazing Japanese artist, made history as the first from her country to perform at the 2023 Amsterdam (Adam) festival and led a workshop at Europe’s largest festival in Geneva in 2025. She’s also choreographed a Bachata piece for a major American film, highlighting her expressive power as a performer.
Show, a versatile dancer trained in Hip-Hop and Jazz, boasts an impressive resume with contest wins, choreography credits, and appearances in films and stage productions. He won a national competition in 2018 and has since excelled in Bachata competitions globally.
Together, Grace & Show bring their unique styles and experiences to the forefront, pushing the boundaries of dance and captivating audiences worldwide.
Join Grace & Show at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Felipe “Salsa Pon"
Felipe “Salsapón” is a dynamic Cali-style salsa dancer originally from Colombia who is now proudly based in Japan, where he continues to expand and elevate the Latin dance community throughout Asia. Bringing the explosive energy, speed, flavor, and authenticity that Cali-style salsa is celebrated for around the world, Felipe has become a respected and recognizable figure within Japan’s growing salsa scene.
Known for his passion, charisma, and commitment to preserving the roots of Colombian salsa culture, Felipe has dedicated himself to sharing the spirit of Cali with dancers and audiences across Japan and Asia through performances, social dancing, workshops, and cultural events.
In addition to his work as a performer and instructor, Felipe has collaborated alongside some of the biggest Latin events and parties in Asia, including the renowned Yonaguni Fest celebrations, helping create unforgettable experiences that unite dancers and music lovers from all over the world.
Japan Latin Weekend is proud to welcome Felipe “Salsapón” as part of the 2026 festival in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan, where his energy, authenticity, and love for salsa culture will undoubtedly inspire audiences and dancers alike.
.
Join Felipe Salsa Pon at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
Erik Rodriguez
Erik Rodriguez is an accomplished mambo dancer, instructor, and performer currently based in Okinawa, Japan, where he continues to share his passion for Latin music and dance with communities across Asia. Known for his smooth style, strong musicality, and deep appreciation for New York-style mambo, Erik has become a respected figure within Japan’s growing salsa scene.
With years of dedication to the art form, Erik brings a powerful combination of technique, flavor, and social dance connection to every class and performance. His commitment to preserving the essence and culture of mambo while inspiring the next generation of dancers has earned him recognition both on and off the dance floor.
Japan Latin Weekend is proud and honored to welcome Erik Rodriguez as an invited instructor and performer for the 2026 edition of the festival in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan. His presence represents the continued growth and unity of the Latin dance community throughout Japan and beyond.
Join Erik Rodriguez at the Japan Latin Weekend festival experience
HONRing Alec Asgari
Alec Asgari is the visionary owner and founder of El Café Latino, Tokyo’s longest-running salsa club, established in 1999, and one of the most important homes for Latin music and dance culture in all of Asia. For more than two decades, Alec has played a monumental role in building, preserving, and growing the Latin dance community in Japan, creating a space where dancers, musicians, artists, and cultures from around the world could come together through music and connection.
Through his passion, consistency, and unwavering dedication to the scene, El Café Latino became far more than a nightclub — it became a cultural landmark and a second home for generations of dancers and performers visiting and living in Japan. Alec’s commitment to supporting artists and keeping authentic Latin culture alive in Tokyo has had a lasting impact on the international salsa community.
His contributions helped bridge cultures between Japan, Latin America, and the global dance world, inspiring countless dancers, DJs, musicians, and organizers throughout Asia over the years.
In recognition of his decades of dedication, leadership, and cultural impact, Alec Asgari will be honored as the 2026 recipient of the Albert Torres Legacy Award at Japan Latin Weekend in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan.
Japan Latin Weekend is deeply proud to celebrate Alec’s extraordinary legacy and lifelong contribution to the worldwide Latin dance community.
HONRing MITSUE
Mitsue is a legendary Japanese Latin dancer, internationally recognized for her originality, artistry, and groundbreaking contribution to the Latin dance movement in Japan. Known for her unmatched style, musicality, elegance, and emotional expression, Mitsue has become one of the most unique and influential Latin dancers in the world, inspiring generations of dancers both in Japan and internationally. As a true pioneer of Japan’s Latin dance industry, Mitsue helped shape and elevate the country’s salsa and bachata communities during the early growth of the scene, bringing passion, authenticity, creativity, and artistic vision to every stage she stepped on. Her ability to blend technique with individuality has made her a respected icon whose impact reaches far beyond dance alone.
Throughout her extraordinary career, MITSUE has represented the beauty of cultural connection through Latin music and dance, helping bridge Japan with the global Latin dance community through performances, teaching, social dancing, and artistic collaboration. Her presence, influence, and dedication to the culture have left an undeniable mark on the Latin dance world and continue to inspire dancers of all backgrounds to embrace authenticity and self-expression.
In recognition of her historic contributions and lifelong dedication to the art form, MITSUE will be honored with the Icon Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Japan Latin Weekend in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan.
Japan Latin Weekend is deeply honored to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary legacy of Mitsue.