Soemoncho Summer Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Community
October 11th, 2025
Written By: Agnes Adebiyi
Soemoncho is right in the heart of the Minami area in Osaka, next to Dōtonbori , Shinsaibashi and Namba, and is known for its nightlife and yearly summer festival (Natsu Matsuri). This year’s Summer Festival unfolded over two vibrant days, filling the heart of Osaka with color, music, and community spirit. The event brought together a wide range of performances, from belly dancing to traditional Japanese stage plays, group singing acts, and even the Miss Soemoncho competition, which showcased not only beauty but also remarkable displays of skills and crafts. It was a true tapestry of cultures, talents, and traditions woven together in celebration.
Our own participation added another layer to the cultural mosaic of the festival. Performing alongside Oggy, Mbali, and Agnes shared a diverse setlist that reflected both Japanese and African influences. Historically, Oggy Live Today – a Scaleout Inc. management concept – has been performing in the past, with various members such as krystalcube, Sani Mubarak, and many others.
This time, our performance included original Japanese compositions by Oggy, such as Today, Aiyoibashi, and Get Well (the latter enriched by the fusion of Zulu words like Ngalagath). The performance then bridged continents with Bibanke, a soulful song by Nigerian artist Asa, which has also been translated into Japanese under the title Shiawase (meaning “Happiness”), sung by Saori Yuki, a famous Japanese female singer. We joined the global chorus of voices that have carried the timeless anthem Africa by the U.S. group Toto, creating a moment of shared recognition that transcended borders. We wrapped our performance with an evocative piece – Osaka Song.
The festival was not only about the stage but also about the spirit of community and cultural exchange. We celebrated the many talents presented across the program, applauding performers for their dedication and creativity. Between sets, we immersed ourselves in the festival atmosphere by sampling many foodstands and Osaka’s beloved takoyaki, enjoying local drinks, and engaging with the warmth of those who welcomed us so openly.
For us, the Soemoncho Summer Festival was an embrace of new culture, a chance to share our own, and a living reminder of how music and art can connect people across different backgrounds. As the lights dimmed and the applause echoed, what lingered was not only the memory of songs performed but also the collective joy of experiencing community at its most vibrant.
Written By: Agnes Adebiyi