IT looks like the Esplanade in Singapore is turning Japanese — to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, the arts center is launching a unique 10-day arts and culture festival in May called Super Japan.

    The event, which runs from May 13 to 22, will feature 25 ticketed programs and over 60 free shows that will range from contemporary acts to traditional ones, and will also see some collaborations between Japanese and Singaporean artists.

    Among the highlights of Super Japan are a concert by “Harajuku pop princess” Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who will perform as part of her fifth anniversary world tour; internationally renowned butoh theater company Sankai Juku, who returns to the Esplanade with its latest show “Meguri: Teeming Sea, Tranquil Land,” and “Himiko — Memories of the Sun Goddess,” a show that brings together some of Japan’s top music and theater artists.

    Other performers in the line-up are post-rock trio Mouse on the Keys, who had also performed at the Mosaic Music Festival in 2013; shadow puppet troupe Silhouette Theater Tsunobue; and shamisen musician Hiromitsu Agatsuma, among others.

    Aside from the shows, there will also be an exhibition of nine Japanese artists, a kimono parade, a spread of Japanese street food, taiko drum performances, a night of enka and anime music, and a tribute concert for the late composer Toru Takemitsu.

    Super Japan — Japanese Festival of Arts runs from May 13 to 22 at the Esplanade. Tickets on sale now for Esplanade&Me Black Cardholders. For more info, visithttp://www.esplanade.com/superjapan.(SD-Agencies)