#Japan #Tokyo #Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá #Rio Carnival #Samba

Tokyo Samba Team Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá to Shine at 2026 Rio Carnival

The renowned samba group, Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá, from Tokyo, is gearing up to take the streets of Rio de Janeiro by storm once again at the 2026 Rio Carnival. Scheduled for February 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time, this appearance marks the team's seventh consecutive participation in this globally celebrated festival.

Having participated continuously since 2018—despite interruptions due to the pandemic in 2021 and 2022—the team’s return to the Rio Carnival offers not just a showcase of samba, but also a rich cultural exchange that emphasizes connection between Brazil and Japan, especially focusing on the themes of childhood and the future.

Inspired by the 2025 theme around peace, the new focus on “Talking to Children, Speaking of the Future” highlights the importance of discussing the world as it is now and what it can become. The carnival is seen as a melting pot of diversity, where individuals from different backgrounds converge to share rhythms and celebrations, showcasing the beauty of cultural differences.

During their stay, on February 13, the team also plans to engage with students at a Japanese school in Rio, fostering connections through samba and enhancing cultural dialogue with local children. This event further underscores the festival's spirit and the intention behind their performance.

The Essence of the Carnival

The Rio Carnival is one of the world's most significant events, a celebration that captures the vibrancy of music and dance, uniting people from all walks of life. For Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá, performing in this carnival is more than just a display of talent—it is an opportunity to honor and integrate with the local culture of samba. The team’s mission is not simply to entertain but to learn and pass on these cultural traditions to future generations.

The connection runs deep for the group, led by founder Masahiro Miyazawa, who has been committed to samba culture since his early days of learning from the late Mestre Trambiki. These sentiments have fueled an ongoing commitment to perform alongside local Brazilian musicians, creating an authentic samba experience that bridges cultural divides.

Carnival Participation Overview

• - Date and Time: February 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM (local time)
• - Location: Praça Barão de Drumond, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro
• - Performance: A combination of singers, string players, and percussionists (approximately 30-40 members from both the Tokyo and Rio branches)
• - Program: Original compositions centered around the theme of “Children and the Future” along with several other songs.
• - Sponsors: Alpha Inter and Samba Music
• - Support: Embassy of Brazil in Japan

A Meaningful Theme

This year’s theme deeply reflects on what children represent in society—a symbol of endless potential and imagination that shapes our future. As the team prepares for the carnival, they will wear shirts designed to illustrate this vision.

The intent behind the theme is not just to celebrate, but to foster understanding and inclusiveness. It serves as a reminder that the future belongs to today’s youth, and their voices deserve to be heard. The team wishes to shine a light on these young voices through their performance at the carnival.

The Performance and Production

Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá’s shows are distinctive due to the collaborative relationships built over the years between its members and local Brazilian artists. Starting with the roda de samba, which evokes the communal love of samba, the performance will evolve into a dynamic batucada, enhancing the celebration's exhilarating spirit.

Rather than an isolated stage performance, the team aims to create an immersive experience that resonates with everyone present, promoting music as a shared movement across cultures.

The anticipation leading up to the performance has already begun, with meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a seamless presentation at the festival. As the carnival approaches, each day of preparation brings them closer to the vibrant celebrations in Rio.

Outlook for 2026

Masahiro Miyazawa, the team leader, reflects on his experiences and the lessons learned throughout his time with samba: “My journey has taught me not just to enjoy samba but to understand the cultural narratives that lie within.” His sentiments are echoed by Carlos Jonatt, co-leader, who emphasizes the collaborative joy they experience when performing, reinforcing the message of unity through samba.

This carnival season in Rio, the Quer Swingar Vem Pra Cá team looks forward to sharing their passion while engaging in meaningful cultural interactions that celebrate both heritage and the future of samba.