HARUKA from Fukushima Makes Solo Debut as Hula Dancer

Jul 21, 2025 | News On Japan

FUKUSHIMA, Jul 21, 2025 (News On Japan) - Dancing in a flowing white costume, HARUKA from Ōkuma, Fukushima Prefecture made her solo debut on the night of July 18th at Spa Resort Hawaiians, a major leisure complex in Iwaki, Fukushima.

Performing as the 82nd solo dancer of the facility’s renowned dancing team, HARUKA appeared center stage under her Hawaiian name “Tiare Haruka,” drawing loud applause and cheers for her elegant and powerful moves.

Among the more than 40 members of the Hawaiians Dancing Team, only six currently hold the coveted position of solo dancer, which grants the honor of using a Hawaiian name. These dancers lead the group and perform center stage during each show, garnering special attention as the stars of the performance.

HARUKA’s journey began in her first year of high school when a friend invited her to join a club where she discovered hula and Tahitian dance. A turning point came in the summer of her second year, when she was moved by the film Hula Girl. In particular, she was captivated by the climactic scene in which lead actress Aoi Yū performs the solo dance “Taneimua” in a striking white outfit. “I dreamed of one day performing a solo dance on that same stage,” she recalled.

Looking ahead, she expressed her hopes of dancing in her hometown: “As a solo dancer, I want to perform in Ōkuma and bring energy to the people of the town. I also want to show my gratitude to everyone who supported me,” she said with determination.

Her Hawaiian name “Tiare” refers to the symbolic flower of Tahiti, associated with happiness, purity, and good fortune. “They say that when you gather the petals of this flower, happiness will come,” she explained. “I want to deliver happiness to the people who have helped me, just like collecting those petals, one by one.”

Source: 産経ニュース

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