Fiddler Dan Stacey tours Japan for Celtic Christmas, performing with Irish and Canadian artists to enthusiastic crowds.

Stratford fiddler Dan Stacey is embarking on a six-day Celtic Christmas Tour in Japan, his fourth trip to the country. Despite Japan’s minimal Christmas celebrations, Irish music remains popular as a cultural event. Stacey, a seasoned musician with decades of experience, will perform alongside Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon, Hothouse Flowers’ Liam Ó Maonla, and the trio Cara Butler and brothers Jon and Nathan Pilatzke. He cites the warm, welcoming reception in Japan—where audiences applaud simply for being on stage—as a unique and freeing experience. Stacey will play a mix of Irish, French Canadian, and original compositions, reflecting his diverse musical influences.