Musicians
The musicians invited for this 11th edition of SAKUTA TANGO FESTIVAL.
** Artists will be announced in order as they are confirmed. **
Villarreal Crom
Villarreal Crom
Juan Villarreal and Patricio Crom began their activity in 2010, playing tangos in milongas and clubs in Buenos Aires city. From the beginning, the Villarreal Crom duo tried to find a unique aesthetic and style that, over the years and recordings, solidified the sound that characterizes them.
Today, they are one of the most recognized duos in the tango scene in Buenos Aires and the world, having embarked on countless tours across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. And having participated in numerous festivals and venues such as the CCK Symphonic Hall "Ballena Azul" in Buenos Aires, La Locura Tango Musik Festival in Innsbruck Austria, Lyon Tango Festival and Philadelphia Tango Festival among others.
They have released 5 albums: “De corte romántico (2012),” “Cinco otoños (2015),” “En la luna de Valencia (2017),” “D’Arienzo en guitarras (2022)”, “Moderno trovador (2023),” which consists entirely of their own compositions and their latest release, “Live in Zagreb,” recorded live in that city in 2024.
In 2022, they graced the cover of the renowned German magazine “Tangodanza,” the world’s most widely circulated tango magazine.
Trio Los Fandangos
Trio Los Fandangos
Naoko Iwatsu (accordion), Taeko Akimoto (Piano), Aogu Tanimoto (violin)
Since its formation in Fukuoka in 1999, they continues to thoroughly representing the dynamism and fun of Argentine tango.
Their dynamic and lively performances, centered around famous pieces from the golden age of tango, are especially popular at milongas, where people who love tango gather and dance.
So far, he has toured Argentina five times in Buenos Aires, as well as performed at festivals and milongas both domestically and internationally.
CDs "1" to "7", 20th anniversary CD "Selección", and latest work "8" released in November 2023.
Ruei-Ran Wu
Ruei-Ran Wu
Bandoneón · Composer
Ruei-Ran Wu was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Taiwan, a Master’s degree in Music Composition from Austria, and further studied bandoneón performance in France. His compositions have been nominated for the Golden Horse Film Awards and the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.
Wu has collaborated with music ensembles and festivals across Europe and Asia. In 2022, he curated the first Taiwan Tango Music Festival. He is currently the conductor of the Vienna Taiwan Choir and the artistic director of ViTa MusicA (Vienna Tango Music Academy).
Kaoru Asayama
Kaoru Asayama
Violin
Kaoru Asayama was born in Kumamoto, Japan. She graduated from Toho College of Music in Tokyo, the Vienna Conservatory, and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
As a classical musician, she performs regularly with various orchestras and chamber music ensembles in Austria and beyond. In addition to classical music, Asayama is an active tango violinist, touring throughout Europe and Asia, and serves as a faculty member at ViTa MusicA (Vienna Tango Music Academy). She is also a member of the Austrian Suzuki Institute of Music.
Yukie Kawanami
Yukie Kawanami
Born in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture. He is the winner of the 1st Che Bandoneon World Championship. She entered Tokyo College of Music from the Fukuoka Jogakuin Music Department. She studied piano, her major, at university, and learned the bandoneon outside of school. She met Eri Watanabe, a playwright and actress, and she appeared on the stage play "Ribon". Since then, she has co-starred with Hideki Saijo, Kenji Sawada, Tsurube Shofutei, and Tsuyoshi Ukaji. She also appeared in "Untitled Concert" and "New Window Open Kyushu.'' In the summer of 2020, she formed "Tango Three Sisters + " in her hometown of Fukuoka. In the summer of 2021, she won first place in the ensemble category at the "Astor Piazzolla International Music Competition Kanoha Torani 2021" held in Italy.
DJs 2025
The invited DJs for the milongas.
DJ TOMO Hoshino
DJ TOMO Hoshino
Tango DJ / TDJ Instructor
From an early age, DJ TOMO Hoshino was exposed to a wide range of music and dance styles. In 2002, he fell in love with Argentine tango and began dancing. Just six months later, he was drawn deeply into the world of tango music, setting out on his path as a Tango DJ—a journey he continues to this day.
The tandas and soundscapes he creates are both delicate and bold, always filled with a distinctive brilliance.
He is also the only DJ in Asia capable of playing at milongas using exclusively SP records.
Main Activities in 2025 :
■ Tango Adict Marathon (Manila, Philippines)
■ Sakura Tango Festival (Fukuoka, Japan)
■ Asia Tango Championship – Tango, Vals, Milonga categories (Tokyo, Japan)
■ Fausto y Stephanie Welcome Milonga (Tokyo, Japan)
■ Fedelico y Sabrina Farewell Milonga (Tokyo, Japan)
■ Chique Cup (Tokyo, Japan)
■ Hernán Álvarez Prieto Farewell Milonga (Tokyo, Japan)
In addition, he has been invited to numerous show milongas, anniversary milongas, and major international milongas.
■ Recipient of the 2024 FJTA Tango Award – Music Category
DJ Fukky
DJ Fukky
The organizer of Sapporo Tango TodoEsAmor.
Born in Yokohama. Now Lives in Sapporo. Took lessons from many maestros in Osaka and Tokyo. She has been fascinated with playing the piano, classical music and jazz since she was a child, and was later drawn to tango music. She started DJing at a local milonga in Sapporo, and now DJs as she travels throughout Japan and Korea, including Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Nagoya.
Following the 2022 , she organized the second Sapporo Tango Festival in 2024. For the first festival in 2022, she co-hosted with Osaka Tango (Cafetin de Buenos Aires) and participated in the production of the premiere of the Tango Live Show "Kyo-zo (Bust)". Currently, she organizes a regular monthly milonga, Milonga Todo Es Amor, and practice sessions in Sapporo. She also organizes workshops with invited artists such as Ernesto Suter & Paola Klinger from outside of Hokkaido.
Fukuoka Sakura Tango Festival (from 2019), Osaka Tango Marathon, DJ Milonga Todo Es Amor (Cafetín de Buenos Aires), Atarayo Milonga (Buen Amigo Hiroshima), Milonga la Baldosa(La Baldosa Tokyo), Milonga de París (Tokyo), Milonga Caminito (Sutudio Caminito), Asian Championship in Kyoto (Welcome milonga, Farewell milonga 2019), Puelto Tango (Busan), Esperar Milonga (Changwon), If Milonga Ocho (Seoul), Luz Tango (Seoul) ,Andante (Seoul), Milonga Vida mia En paz (Seoul), etc.
■ Sapporo Tango TodoEsAmor
■ Sapporo Tango Festival 2024
■ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fukiko.hayashi
■ Instagram (DJ Fukky): https://www.instagram.com/tango_dj_fukky/
■ Instagram (Sapporo Tango TodoEsAmor): https://www.instagram.com/sapporo_tango_todoesamor
DJ Ernesto Borgonovo
DJ Ernesto Borgonovo
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he began to dance tango in 1997. Among his most important teachers are Gabriel Angio and Natalia Games, Mingo and Esther Pugliese, Raúl Bravo, Néstor Ray, José Vázquez Lampazo, El Gallego Manolo, Vanina Bilous, Fernando Galera , Vilma Vega, Natalia Hills, Gabriel Misse, Petaca, Jorge Dispari and María del Carmen, Damian Esell and Nancy Louzan among others. Since 1999 he has been dedicated to the teaching of tango. In 2001 he settled in Japan where he has his own academy "El Porteño", and he is the organizer of one of the oldest milongas of that country (La Típica de Kitano) where he is also a DJ. In 2002 he starred in the tango documentary "Nosotros" along with other great dancers like Petaca and Hernán Álvarez Prieto. Since the fundation of the Tango Ensemble Coqueta has been performing as a principal dancer for 10 years, in his numerous concerts and shows.. He is also invited to teach in China and other Asian countries for 15 years. Lately he is tempted to teach and give demonstrations in various cities of Europe. He is also the organizer of major tango events and festivals in Japan.
DJ SHO
DJ SHO
Born to be a Latin dance addicted Tanguero. Through the experience of Social, Salsa, Bachata and then embarked into Tango dance which then further stepped into Tango DJ world. Quite sensitive with the reaction from the audience on the dancing floor based on his experience of event MC.
No one can deny that his music selection is quite danceable – from traditional to Nuevo music. Come and join and feel TDJ SHO on spot!
Main TDJ career (organized by Cafetin Buenos Aires Osaka) :
• Daniel Nacucchio y Cristina Sosa - Osaka City Hall de Milonga
• Neri Piliu y Yanina Quinones in Osaka
• Astrorico PIEBES / Live Milonaga - Tiempo de Tango
• EKICHU DE TANGO (In the station hall Tango/ KANSAI Tango Orquesta)
• Sakura Tango Festival 2025 (After Milonga)
Many others organized by Tokyo and Osaka Dance studios
DJ Sugar
DJ Sugar
He started tango in 2014.
He actively participates in various workshops, primarily taking lessons at Cafetin de Buenos Aires in Osaka. He cultivates a tango philosophy that values the tango of two people above all else.
Since 2020, he has been teaching milonga at Cafe Rumbita in Kyoto.
He currently makes Osaka Cafetin his home base, teaching introductory lessons. He is committed to promoting tango. He DJs at Cafetin events such as the Public Hall and Kurashiki Milonga. He also hosts the KIBITANGO Milonga in Okayama. He actively participates in local events and deepens connections.
His impressive song selections are well-received by enthusiasts who enjoy expressive music. His unique use of unexpected elements and contrasts often leads to questions about song titles. His song selections, which are carefully chosen from the dancer's perspective, are highly praised.
DJ Billy
DJ Billy
Active in tango since 2001, DJ Billy is the organizer of Korea United Milonga (Milonga Cita) and the Philippines Tango Marathon (Tango Adicto Marathon). He previously managed All Night Milonga and Sonemos in Korea.
He has DJed worldwide, including Buenos Aires, Canada, the USA (NYC, LA, Chicago), Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and across the Philippines and Korea. Known for blending traditional tango with rhythmic, melodic, and dramatic styles, he also works with live orchestras and enjoys playing nuevo or alternative music upon request.
Major Events:
• LA Tango Marathon (USA)
• Philippines Tango Adicto Marathon
• Boracay Tango Encuentro (Philippines)
• Sakura Tango Festival (Japan)
• Saigon Tango Festival (Vietnam)
• Taiwan Hone Tango Festival
• Tango Festival en Tokyo (Japan)
• Cruise Tango Festival (Turkey, 2025)
Milongas:
DJ Billy has played at top milongas across the Americas, Asia, and beyond, including iconic venues in Buenos Aires, Montreal, NYC, Los Angeles, Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, and more.
He continues to captivate dancers globally with his dynamic and versatile music selection.
Michael “KB” Hsu
Michael “KB” Hsu
Michael “KB” Hsu, from Taipei, Taiwan, has been a tango DJ for nearly 10 years. He frequently DJs for the Viernes Milonga and the Saturday Milonga at Tanguisimo Salon in Taipei, as well as other venues around Taiwan. Previously, he was one of the two initial resident DJs for the month-end Saturday Remolino Milonga in Taipei. Michael also has been engaged for DJ assignments across Asia; in 2023 he was invited to DJ at the Manila Tango Adicto Marathon and recently in December 2025 he was invited for the inaugural Hengqing Tango Weekend in Hengqin, China.
The 2025 Sakura Tango Festival was Michael’s first major DJ event in Japan and he is delighted to return in 2026.
Michael’s music style is primarily focused on the Golden Age period sprinkled with late works from the major orchestras and the occasional modern tandas. He is looking forward to bring dancing enjoyment for the festival participants.
DJ EXO
DJ EXO
Starting in 2017, he has been the main DJ at Busan Cafe de Tango ‘Viernes Milonga’.
• 2024.10.06 Master Show Milonga (DalkongMil, Seoul) with Lucas Carrizo & Maria Paula Tejeda
• 2025.04.03 Sakura Tango Festival Welcome Milonga
• 2025.07.26 Master Show Milonga (MILONGA VOLVER!, Hongkong) with Sebastian Misse & Andrea Reyero
• 2025.10.28 Master Show Milonga (Freestyle tango, Seoul) with Lucas Carrizo & Maria Paula Tejeda
• 2025.11.16 Master Show Milonga (Milonga El Arrabal, Osaka) with Lucas Carrizo & Maria Paula Tejeda
DJ Marcelo Stella
DJ Marcelo Stella
Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. He has been involved with Tiempo Iberoamericano´s project in Fukuoka, Japan since 2002.
He is a key-player in the development of tango in Fukuoka being undoubtedly the local main tango DJ for 15 years.
He is one of the organizers, producer and has played as DJ in Sakura Tango Festival since the first edition.
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