WMDF Main “Atlas” Stage

Atlas Stage

This stage was the starting point of WMDF as an international event. We wanted to showcase the amazing backdrop of the vista and the history of the  Hakodate Bay. The seating area in front of the stage was designed for concerts by designer Kenichi Kimura. We are proud to bring life to this plan. WMDF embodies its “Big Here” theme by naming  our stages after stars. This flagship main stage’s name  “Alas” signifies the Greek legend of “supporting the world” and the concept of  “enduring”.

WMDF Second “Bunda” Stage

Bunda Stage

The audience space in the Bunda area is open and encourages people to dance, dance , dance. This was the second stage area developed by WMDF, and provides a contrasting atmosphere for fans and performers. Both appreciate the different feel of the stage, which is also often used by roving performers such as jugglers and clowns. The naming “Bunda” comes from the Arabic signifying one of the three “luck of luck” stars.

WMDF “Chara” Stage is up-close

Chara Stage

This “at-home” stage is the result of requests from artists. Often, large groups that perform on the WMDF main or second stage ask us if there are chances for their members to perform solo, or as smaller groups of just a few people. Until now, the answer was “no”, but the Chara stage changes this. “Chara” is named not after the Japanese singer, but after the celestial star, which is Greek for “joy”. We hope this stage will please many people.

WMDF “Eudora” Stage, three Michelin Green Guide stars.

Eudora Stage

The unique backdrop of the “Koukaido” Old Town Hall holds a triple star award from the Michelin Green Guide Japan. There is a concert hall on the second floor that we sometimes use, but WMDF also creates an intimate space in front of the building, close to the audience. This stage is darker than usual, and the lit backdrop gives a unique experience for all. The star name for this stage is “Eudora”, from the Greek for “generosity”, our hope. Entry to this stage requires no pass or ticket, and the stage runs from after 19:30 every night. Please come and sample the WMDF atmosphere!

WMDF “Gemini” Stage, large geodesic tent

Gemini/Hub Stages

Debuting in 2019 with the introduction of the “WMDF Hub”  geodesic dome in the center of Motomachi Park, this stage opened new possibilities. We programmed workshops and street performers, and got a huge response from audiences enjoying a new atmosphere. It was possible imagine the whole globe as  the backdrop to each performance.

In 2024, the opening of the “Jewel Box” in the Chara area freed up space in the center of the park, so we removed the dome but kept its “Hub” name as the inspiration for a 360-degree platform stage in its place. 

WMDF “Deneb” Stage, tiny geodesic tent

Deneb Stage

Accompanying the huge tent of the WMDF Hub came a little sibling. We placed this cute addition high above the main stage, where we have traditionally run kid’s entertainment. It provides a pint-sized backdrop for a pint-sized audience.

Booths at Atlas Area

Atlas Area

Next to the Atlas Stage is the primary area for MoguFes booths. Here you can find some of our most popular foods, usually including Indian curries and nan breads as well as Turkish ice cream (pictured).

Check out the WMDF bar here ,offering discounts for Whole Week Sponsor Pass holders, and many other refreshments.

Relaxation Therapy at Bunda

The Bunda area features more MoguFes booths. It was the second area developed by WMDF, and is home to the WMDF Tree. For those who feel the effects of all the revelry, Bunda offers massage to take away the strain (pictured).

Street Performance at Chara

Chara Area

The area around Motomachi Park’s historic buildings hosts many MoguFes booths and it features frequent performances by WMDF’s roving entertainers. This was the third space developed by WMDF, and is designed to provide a relatively calm location for WMDF-goers to relax while still enjoying the park’s atmosphere. We have also done projection mapping in this area, and used the buildings for workshops. We hope that you can relax happily at Chara.

We christened this warehouse the “Jewel Box” from 2024.

Jewel Box

This red-brick building sits between the Bunda and the Chara stages. It was always unavailable for use but in 2024, we were offered access. We jumped at the chance and named it the “Jewel Box”: a poetic star cluster name coined by John Hirschel. We housed our festival goods store there and planned installations and a series of open interviews with overseas artists. We hope you will agree that it is a space “where art and heritage sparkle”.

Deneb Area Performance

Deneb Area

Regular WMDF-goers know that climbing up above the Atlas Stage rewards you with a special panoramic view of Hakodate’s bay and mountains. To this space, we added decorations, benches, barrel tables and  MoguFes booths. Our roving performers also stepped up to create impromptu stages. The name “Deneb” is from the Arabic for “tail” or “follower”. The star is one of the three that make up the “Summer Triangle”, which South Sea Islanders use to navigate on the open ocean in the Pacific, including reaching Hawaii. Deneb represents WMDF’s goal of guiding many followers to meet many new worlds.

“Flare” Area runs on Sat & Sun

Flare Area
WMDF keeps growing. Our partners Sports Hokkaido bring you a “Worlds Meet” experience of physical activities: the “Waku Waku Festival”. Walking on Japanese bamboo stilts is not just for the young, but also for the young-at-heart! There is a type of “flare” star that vary their brightness, shining more noticeably for several minutes (our nearest neighbour, Proxima Centauri, is a flare star, see picture). Why not try your own “flare”, and shine for a few minutes in this new WMDF area? We will be developing Flare over several yeas, so be sure to tell us your ideas. Plus, look out for circus performances and street entertainers showing their own flare in this area. Entry to this area requires no pass or ticket. Only on Thu & Fri, from 14:00.