The spirit of the Pacific was alive at the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) 2025 Spring Entrance Ceremony in Beppu, Oita, Japan, as a diverse group of students performed the traditional Siva Samoa. 

The group consisted not only of Samoans but also Tongans and Palauans who came together to showcase the beauty of Samoan culture through dance.

For many, participating in this event was more than just a performance, it was a celebration of identity, unity, and pride. Ineti, a Tongan student who is also the Social Media personnel for the Pacific Island Association, shared why she joined the group.

"Living in Japan, where there are not many islanders compared to New Zealand, Australia, or America, I became close friends with my Samoan sisters and brothers. We share and learn about each other's cultures, breaking the rivalry of ‘us vs. them.’ When the chance arose to dance, I took it because Siva Samoa is too beautiful to turn down," she said.

Although she found some differences between Samoan and Tongan dance, she said the similarities made it easier to learn.

"Samoan siva and Tongan taualuga are somewhat alike, so picking it up wasn't too hard. However, I did struggle with the footwork because that’s what sets Samoan taualuga apart," she admitted.

For the Samoan students in the group, the experience was a proud moment. Elisapeta Malaeulu, who performed as the Taupou, expressed how meaningful it was to represent Samoa.

"Personally, representing Samoa's culture in Japan is an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience for me. I take immense pride in sharing our traditions through dance, especially in a setting where others are eager to learn and appreciate our heritage," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of Samoan values, such as respect, community, and interconnectedness.

"In Samoa, we prioritize relationships with our families and community. I encourage new students to embrace this by fostering strong connections, respecting diversity, and participating in community activities. The strength of our community enriches our individual experiences and academic journeys."

The performance was not just a showcase of dance but a reminder of heritage and identity. Jimmy Leausa, the Association’s Public Relations Personnel, reflected on the significance of performing on such a prestigious platform.

"Performing Samoan dance at an international university is a big achievement. APU is one of Japan’s leading universities, and seeing our culture as part of one of its biggest annual events is a proud moment for us Islanders. We love our culture and want the world to see and know about it through our traditional dances and chanting."

He also shared how choreographing and organizing the performance brought back memories of growing up in Samoa, where he participated in many cultural events in his community, church, and school.

"This is not just a performance; it is a reminder of my identity and a living testimony of the sacrifices of our ancestors and the prayers of our families back home," he said.

Beyond the stage, the group members cherished the friendships they built during practice sessions.

"The most fun part was the fellowship during practices. We laughed, made jokes, and, of course, our knees and backs suffered a bit! But more than the performance, I will always remember the time we spent together," one participant shared.

The students encourage more people to join in learning about Pacific culture.

"Our dances tell stories that words cannot express. Through them, we connect with our past and educate others about Samoan culture. These experiences stay with us forever, and at the same time, we learn from each other," Ineti said.

The Siva Samoa performance at APU was not just a dance, it was a bridge that connected cultures, a platform that showcased Pacific pride, and a memory that will remain in the hearts of both performers and audiences alike.