Guam and Japan are partnering to bring the 2026 Hands Across the Sea International Music Festival to island residents Aug. 22.

The festival, established by the Guam Territorial Band and the Gamagori City Junior Band from Aichi, Japan, in 2013, is a cultural exchange program bringing together musicians from Japan, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and beyond, according to the release.

"Each year, musicians take turns visiting each other's country," the release states.

Presented by the Okkodo High School Band and Parent Teacher Association in partnership with the Guam Territorial Band, this year's festival marks Gamagori's return. Organizers said the visit is a first since 2017 but the fourth since 2013.

The festival will feature the Gamagori City Junior Band, Guam Territorial Band and Okkodo High School Band.

Organizers said the festival is inspired by John Philip Sousa's iconic 1899 march of the same name, calling it "a piece composed to honor former battlefield adversaries uniting in support of a common cause."

The festival highlights the importance of understanding history and invites participants to "reflect on our shared past — not to relegate history, but to forge new paths toward mutual understanding and cooperation," the release states.

This year's event recognizes the island's 82nd Liberation anniversary and the "spirit of unity," which "resonates deeply."

"While the historic journey toward full reconciliation continues, music serves as a powerful bridge, uniting communities once divided by conflict. Through our shared musical tradition, may old friendships be rekindled, new bonds formed and a more peaceful world achieved year after year," the release states.

The 2026 Hands Across the Sea International Music Festival will be held at Dusit Thani Guam Resort Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $25 and can be reserved at www.okkodohighschool.net.

The Gamagori City Junior Band will also perform at the Japanese International Academy of Guam Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. and the Tumon Night Market Aug. 23.