Our festival

What's ISLA?

Isla de Salsa, World Beat Festival is an annual event organized by the NPO Tiempo Iberoamericano since its founding in 1997. It has become the largest Caribbean-themed festival in Japan and the most enduring international cultural event in the city of Fukuoka, celebrating its 26th edition this year.

The festival offers a unique gathering in the bay of Fukuoka, surrounded by nature and just a 10-minute boat ride from the city center.

Drawing on the deeper meaning of the word salsa, this event is not limited to a single music genre—it celebrates the blending of elements, cultural integration, and mutual understanding. Salsa here stands as a symbol of fusion, collective richness, and the creation of something new through human connection.

“Isla de Salsa” was born to represent cultural diversity and to echo the creative potential that arises from encounters between different cultural identities.

At a time when society is leaning toward individualism and digital disconnection, this festival reaffirms the value of real, human communication. It promotes a way of living together that transcends artificial divisions—whether by origin, gender, nationality, age, or religion.

Over the years, legendary Caribbean artists such as El Gran Combo, Los Van Van, and Habana de Primera have graced its stage. It was also here that Juan Luis Guerra made his debut in Asia, leading to the creation of his famous song, “Una Bachata en Fukuoka.”

While our special guest often comes from the Caribbean, the spirit of this WORLD BEAT festival invites the whole world—breaking down all borders—to celebrate life through music, dance, and human connection.

This year, we are expanding our perspective even further by incorporating influences from festivals around the globe, offering an experience with a truly unique flavor.

Don’t miss it!

"World Beat Matsuri"
In Japan, there is an ancient belief that gods dwell in all things in nature — a worldview known as Yaoyorozu no Kami (“eight million gods”).
Matsuri (Japanese festivals) are not simply entertainment; they are moments to give thanks to nature and the gods, to share hopes and joys.They are acts that help nurture and enrich the community.
We chose the Japanese word Matsuri as a subtitle because we feel a deep connection with the spirit of Japanese festivals.
We hope that Isla de Salsa becomes a place where people and cultures connect — and where something new can be born.

Do you remember?

ISLA Highlight

For 25 years, we have enjoyed "salsa" made from many cross-cultural exchanges.

Juan Luis Guerra

ISLA DE SALSA 2009
The only king of Bachata Juan Luis Guerra made his debut in Asia.

Bachata en Fukuoka

JUAN LUIS GUERRA
"Bachata en Fukuoka", which Juan Luis Guerra composed describing the memories of Fukuoka, won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Tropical Song.

Sukiyaki Song by CALLE REAL

ISLA DE SALSA 2011
CALLE REAL dedicated the world-renowned Japanese song "Sukiyaki Song" together with singer-songwriter Isamu Shimoji to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake. This act of solidarity was one of the most exciting moments in the history of ISLA.

Los Van Van

ISLA DE SALSA 2011
In 2010, "¡Vívela Japón! Salsa Tour" expanded to Asia Pacific, bringing the legendary Cuban salsa orchestra "Los Van Van" to three Australian cities, including the Sydney Opera House.

EL GRAN COMBO

ISLA DE SALSA 2012
Isla de Salsa was one of the historical stages of the world tour of 50 concerts around the world commemorating the 50th anniversary of the legendary classical salsa orchestra "El Grand Combo".

Aleida Guevara

ISLA DE SALSA 2011
Aleida Guevara (Che Guevara's eldest daughter), who visited Japan to attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was present at Isla de Salsa.

14 years trajectory

ISLA DE SALSA 2011
A video created to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Isla, remembering the festivals for 14 years.

GANGA ZUMBA

ISLA DE SALSA 2004
Kazufumi Miyazawa, the vocalist of THE BOOM and the top-tier Japanese artist in Japan, unleashed the euphoria of fans.