Rising alt-rock force Sarina set to ignite Japan Festival Canada 2025

Japan Festival Canada returns to Mississauga Celebration Square from Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17, 2025, bringing a dynamic fusion of Japanese culture, cuisine, and music to the heart of the GTA.

Among the lineup of performers, one name stands tall: Sarina, the Tokyo-based alt-rock sensation blending the raw energy of early 2010s pop-punk with an unapologetic, edgy rock style. A bilingual artist born in Hawaii to a Lebanese mother and Japanese father, Sarina’s international upbringing in Tokyo has shaped a sound that resonates with fans of The Pretty Reckless, YUNGBLUD, and Paramore.

A story written in sound
From a young age, Sarina was immersed in music and creativity, raised by artistically gifted parents who taught her to embrace both the dark and light sides of life. Her music explores themes of mental health and personal struggle, resulting in songs that are deeply relatable and emotionally charged.

Her debut single, Identity, released under the Sony RED label, showcased not only her powerful vocals but her multi-instrumental talents—she played drums, guitar, bass, and piano on the track. With Sony RED, she went on to release five more singles, an EP titled Foreword, and six music videos, all storyboarded and conceptualized by Sarina herself.

In May 2024, she co-founded SyrenSong, an independent label she launched with her mother, a successful music industry entrepreneur in Japan.

Her career has also seen her lend her voice to the main vocal trio for the Square Enix JRPG Triangle Strategy, working with renowned composer Senju Akira. More recently, her Break Out!! EP and upcoming singles—produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Erik Ron and platinum record producer Kevin Thrasher—signal that Sarina is ready to make waves in the Western music scene.

Building momentum
This year, Sarina has been riding a surge of momentum. Her single Toast to the Broken delivers raw, cathartic energy, while her latest release, If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am), dives into the emotional complexities many women face—often feeling pressured to apologize even when wronged. A music video for the track is set to debut on August 20, with her next EP, The Fool, arriving September 12.

What to expect at JFCA 2025
At this year’s Japan Festival Canada, Sarina will bring her blistering pop-punk energy and emotional authenticity to a diverse audience celebrating both traditional and modern Japanese culture. She is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday night, August 16, promising an electrifying set that will be a highlight of the festival.

While Sarina is a clear standout, the festival will also feature an array of performers, from anime song artists to taiko drumming ensembles and cultural dance troupes, creating an event that blends high-energy contemporary acts with timeless traditions.