Here we are again, after that long gap. Regulars lined up from the start. International artists took the stage. Performers hit the high notes. Cultures got all thrown together and jumbled around a bit. There were lots of aisatsu.

(Photos by Glaretone)

Great turnout, despite Corona. (Sorry to all those who couldn’t get in to Kateryna’s indoor performance). Props to Takapartch for opening the festival with “Summer Time”. Thanks for all the “thank you”s.

People got used to the new “no eating and drinking in front of the stage” rules. And the Park became all non-smoking??? (It wasn’t us!)

(Photos by Glaretone)

Afro-Begue & Choice-chan rounded off Day 1. And Sasaki Yosuke live-painted it all. Only three days? Already, there are only two days left? Better get down to Motomachi this weekend.

After three years, WMDF is up-and running again, with artists arriving by plane and train from within Japan also from overseas. The pandemic limited international opportunities, but here we are greeting our representatives from Lithuania at the airport.

Atalyja will represent our hopes that this year can be a step towards re-building, a culture of mixing worlds together in Hakodate.

The stages in Motomachi Park start tomorrow, but already WMDF artists are spreading entertainment throughout the town, wth our Outreach program that visits, well, places that invite us. This year kicked off with some local festivals and some residents associations. Hoping you have a great summer!

(Outreach photos by Glaretone. Park setup photos by WMDF staff)

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform you that the following artists and stores have been forced to cancel their festival participation.

Festival Artists
Painter, Tokyo
Sukesan and Shu, Tokyo
MOGU FES Booths
Chinese Restaurant Rihaku (Deneb)
Street Corner Cafe Hakodatesaurus Bargon (Deneb)

We are sure that many have been looking forward to this programming: we are very sorry for the inconvenience, but we hope you will understand the situation.

We will continue to make every effort to deliver to you the best possible event.