Latest news with #Yosakoi
Time Out
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
6 unmissable Japanese festivals happening in Tokyo this August 22-24 weekend
This August 22–24 weekend is set to be one of Tokyo's most festive this summer, with traditional Japanese celebrations taking over various districts and neighbourhoods across the capital. From lively Bon Odori dances to the renowned Koenji Awa Odori, there's plenty to look forward to. Though all of these festivals centre around street dancing, each has its own distinct origin. Bon Odori is a traditional way to honour ancestral spirits, while Yosakoi was created in Kochi in 1954 to help revive the postwar economy. The roots of Awa Odori are less clear, though one legend ties the lively group dance to celebrations marking the completion of Tokushima Castle in 1587. Today, however, the festivals serve above allas joyful summer events that light up the evenings. With the forecast calling for another scorcher, be sure to stay cool while enjoying the festivities. Koenji Awa Odori Aug 23-24 One of the most popular street dance festivals in Tokyo, Koenji's Awa Odori is returning this summer in full swing. This year, the celebration will feature over 150 Awa Odori dance groups parading around Koenji Station's North-South shotengai shopping arcade and Konan-dori street over the August 23-24 weekend. The tradition of Awa Odori can be traced back to Tokushima, in the Shikoku region. Legend has it that the local daimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in the streets. Whatever the accuracy of that tale, the enthusiasm was contagious, and Koenji has been holding a street dance fest of its own since 1957. While the action starts at 5pm for both days, you'll need to arrive much earlier if you want to snag one of the best viewing spots along the two streets mentioned above. Aug 23-24 Late August is always a good time for dancing in the streets, with many major festivals happening around this time of year. The Yosakoi dance originated in Kochi prefecture in 1954, where it was created to help revitalise the struggling post-war economy. Tokyo's very own Super Yosakoi festival, however, while relatively new, has been going on for over two decades now. This massive event sees about 110 teams of brightly attired dancers trying to outdo each other as they strut their stuff to the rhythm of the naruko – a type of clapper that the people of Kochi originally used to scare birds away from the fields. The dance performances take place at various locations within the Harajuku/Shibuya area. But if you only see one thing, make sure it's the massive parade along the tree-lined Omotesando avenue on Sunday from 11.10am to 4.15pm. Stage performances will be held at Yoyogi Park from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday. There are also smaller parades at the Yoyogi Park Event Square, along the road between the NHK Hall and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, around the same time. At the Yoyogi no Mori Bon-Odori venue (5-68-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya), you can enjoy Yosakoi performances from 11.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday and from 11.00am to 4pm on Sunday. Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival Aug 23-24 One of Tokyo's favourite traditional festivals, the annual Azabu-Juban Noryo Matsuri ('noryo' translates as 'cool of the evening') has been going on for over 50 years now. The festival is returning this year on August 23 and 24 at Patio Juban Square, the nearby Amishiro Park and along the streets of the fashionable Azabu-Juban shopping district. There will be plenty of dancing, performances and live music, along with food and game stalls, some of which are set up by local businesses. Additionally, the nearby Juban Inari-jinja shrine will host an ohayashi festival music performance, accompanied by Ise Ondo folk dancing. Dust off your yukata and prepare to mingle among the crowds. Roppongi Hills Bon Odori Aug 22-24 This lively Roppongi Hills festival features traditional Bon Odori dance by yukata-clad performers in the shopping centre's event arena. Traditional Japanese lanterns add to the festive atmosphere while the surrounding food stalls cater to hungry crowds. You can expect a varied gourmet selection prepared by popular restaurants in the area, including Roppongi Barbacoa, Diya, Rigoletto Bar and Grill, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Gelateria Raffinato, and more. There will also be plenty of activities like yo-yo fishing, ring tossing, and a face mask stall for children and adults to enjoy. While there's no Bon Odori dancing on Friday, you'll get to watch a modern interpretation of Gigaku (masked drama performance) and Dengaku (traditional Japanese dance) instead. The show is put on by Roppongi Raku, the venue's performing arts group that consists of about 150 people, starting at 7pm. Bon Odori dancing takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. Tokyo Otsuka Awa Odori Aug 22-23 The annual Otsuka Awa Odori dance festival has been running since 1972, and it involves over 1,000 dancers every year. The pre-event festivities are held at the station-front plaza on August 22. There will be a ceremony, followed by mini Awa Odori dance performances. The main festival however, falls on Saturday August 23 from 4pm, with around a dozen groups of dancers parading along Minamiotsuka-dori street in front of JR Otsuka Station's East exit. This year, the festival is celebrating its 51st year with a line-up of venerable local awa-odori dance troupes, including Shinsuiren and the Toriren Awa Odori Club from Toshimagaoka Joshigakuen High School, which is one of only four such high school clubs in all of Japan. Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori Festival Aug 22-23 Head over to Hamacho Park for some communal dancing at the Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori festival. Held on August 22 and 23, this annual event marks the end of summer and honours the spirits of ancestors with a unique song and dance called the Chuo City Ondo – you can learn the steps here. As with similar festivals across Japan, you'll find food stalls serving crowd-pleasing street eats. Programme-wise, watch out for a traditional performing arts presentation at 4pm on Saturday. And make sure you catch the special taiko drum performances on Friday at 5.30pm and Saturday at 8.50pm – they mark the beginning and end of the Bon Odori festivities respectively. If you're looking to partake in the Bon Odori dance, the session starts at 5.40pm on Friday and 5.50pm on Saturday.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EXPO2025 Kochi Festival WORLD YOSAKOI DAY
Kochi's Yosakoi and Street Market is coming to the Kansai Expo in Osaka on August 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat)! OSAKA, Japan, August 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kochi Prefecture will host "WORLD YOSAKOI DAY" on August 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) at the EXPO Arena "Matsuri" during Expo 2025 Osaka, day YOSAKOI becomes a world culture. A special two-day event for the benefit of both Kochi and the world is scheduled be event invites people from around the world to dance Yosakoi, which originated in Kochi, and to fully experience Kochi with all five senses, featuring street markets boasting over 300 years of history and products from every city, town, and village in the prefecture. Date and Times Friday, August 22, 2025 at 12:00pm - 8:00pm *Venue opens at 11:30am Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:00am - 6:30pm *Venue opens at 9:00am Venue Inside the EXPO Arena "Matsuri" at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan venue (immediately after entering from the West Gate) and other locations From the "Original Yosakoi" performed at the first Yosakoi Festival, to Yosakoi teams from Kochi and the Kansai region known for their unique and vibrant performances, student teams representing the future of Yosakoi, and even teams participating from overseas,* all of which will dazzle spectators with their performances. *Overseas Performing TeamsKizuna International Team (North America and other regions) / Núi Trúc Sakura Yosakoi (Vietnam) / Hanoi Sennen Yosakoi Team (Vietnam) SUPER LOCAL "Yosakoi Festival in EXPO"A Special Stage Presented by Kochi, the Birthplace of Yosakoi!In addition to stage performances, dancers led by "jikata" floats will parade and dance through the venue. In true Kochi Yosakoi style, the close connection between dancers and spectators will be reenacted in style, allowing visitors to cheer with fans, instinctively join in the dancing, and experience a sense of unity. What is the Yosakoi Festival?The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954 to lift spirits and dispel the gloom of the postwar economic slump. Held every year from August 9 - 12 in Kochi City, it attracts approximately 200 teams and around 18,000 dancers from both inside and outside the prefecture, flooding the streets with excitement. These lively Yosakoi Festival teams are set to gather at the Expo site. HighlightsEveryone Dancing Together! A Fully Participatory Group Dance Event!On the day of the event, a "Sō Odori" (mass dancing event) provides a chance for dancers and spectators to enjoy Yosakoi together. Using Yosakoi as a common language, the participating dancers and the crowd unite, creating an unmissable moment as the entire venue is filled with fervor. Date and Times of the Sō Odori Friday, August 22, 2025 (1) around 3:00pm / (2) around 7:00pm Saturday, August 23, 2025 (3) around 1:30pm / (4) around 6:00pm SUPER LOCAL "300 Years of Tradition: The Street Market"Experience the Charm of Kochi at the Expo's Street Market!The Street Market, which has been handed down for more than 300 years and is cherished especially by the people of Kochi Prefecture, will be recreated at the Expo site. Various products nurtured by the rich nature of Kochi Prefecture will be available in one place. Sunday market exhibitors will also participate and all municipalities in the prefecture will join in the street market, showcasing the charms of each area of Kochi Prefecture. In addition to gourmet bites on-the-go and shopping, visitors can enjoy communicating with the friendly vendors. Japan's Largest Street Market in Both Scale and HistoryIn Kochi Prefecture, street markets held along the roadsides have long enjoyed popularity. The largest of these is the "Sunday Market," a so-called living market stretching about 1 kilometer east from the Otemon Gate of Kochi Castle with around 300 stalls on offer. A wide range of products, from food to daily necessities are sold here, and the market attracts approximately 17,000 visitors in a single day, making it the largest in Japan in both size and history. Many vendors are happy to share tips on their manufacturing methods or recommended ways to enjoy their products, allowing visitors to enjoy warm and friendly interactions with the hospitable people of Tosa. SUPER LOCAL "Kochi Food and Culture Experience Zone"Events That Can Be Enjoyed Casually by Everyone, From Children to Adults, Featuring Hands-on Experiences That Let Visitors Engage With Kochi's Culture!The hands-on experience corners set up for families include the chance to make Yosakoi naruko clappers, a photo booth with Yosakoi festival costumes, and workshops using Tosa washi paper. Visitors can also enjoy tastings and sales at the Tosa sake corner, which is currently attracting global attention. The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect. View source version on Contacts For inquiries concerning this matter: International Tourism Division, Tourism Promotion and Sports Department, Kochi Prefecture020701@ Local Production for Local Consumption and External Sales Division, Industry Promotion Department, Kochi Prefecture120901@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
EXPO2025 Kochi Festival WORLD YOSAKOI DAY
OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kochi Prefecture will host 'WORLD YOSAKOI DAY' on August 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) at the EXPO Arena 'Matsuri' during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The day YOSAKOI becomes a world culture. A special two-day event for the benefit of both Kochi and the world is scheduled be held. This event invites people from around the world to dance Yosakoi, which originated in Kochi, and to fully experience Kochi with all five senses, featuring street markets boasting over 300 years of history and products from every city, town, and village in the prefecture. Date and Times Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:00am - 6:30pm *Venue opens at 9:00am Expand Venue Inside the EXPO Arena "Matsuri" at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan venue (immediately after entering from the West Gate) and other locations Expand From the 'Original Yosakoi' performed at the first Yosakoi Festival, to Yosakoi teams from Kochi and the Kansai region known for their unique and vibrant performances, student teams representing the future of Yosakoi, and even teams participating from overseas, * all of which will dazzle spectators with their performances. * Overseas Performing Teams Kizuna International Team (North America and other regions) / Núi Trúc Sakura Yosakoi (Vietnam) / Hanoi Sennen Yosakoi Team (Vietnam) SUPER LOCAL "Yosakoi Festival in EXPO" A Special Stage Presented by Kochi, the Birthplace of Yosakoi! In addition to stage performances, dancers led by "jikata" floats will parade and dance through the venue. In true Kochi Yosakoi style, the close connection between dancers and spectators will be reenacted in style, allowing visitors to cheer with fans, instinctively join in the dancing, and experience a sense of unity. What is the Yosakoi Festival? The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954 to lift spirits and dispel the gloom of the postwar economic slump. Held every year from August 9 - 12 in Kochi City, it attracts approximately 200 teams and around 18,000 dancers from both inside and outside the prefecture, flooding the streets with excitement. These lively Yosakoi Festival teams are set to gather at the Expo site. Highlights Everyone Dancing Together! A Fully Participatory Group Dance Event! On the day of the event, a 'Sō Odori' (mass dancing event) provides a chance for dancers and spectators to enjoy Yosakoi together. Using Yosakoi as a common language, the participating dancers and the crowd unite, creating an unmissable moment as the entire venue is filled with fervor. Date and Times of the Sō Odori Friday, August 22, 2025 (1) around 3:00pm / (2) around 7:00pm Saturday, August 23, 2025 (3) around 1:30pm / (4) around 6:00pm Expand SUPER LOCAL "300 Years of Tradition: The Street Market" Experience the Charm of Kochi at the Expo's Street Market! The Street Market, which has been handed down for more than 300 years and is cherished especially by the people of Kochi Prefecture, will be recreated at the Expo site. Various products nurtured by the rich nature of Kochi Prefecture will be available in one place. Sunday market exhibitors will also participate and all municipalities in the prefecture will join in the street market, showcasing the charms of each area of Kochi Prefecture. In addition to gourmet bites on-the-go and shopping, visitors can enjoy communicating with the friendly vendors. Japan's Largest Street Market in Both Scale and History In Kochi Prefecture, street markets held along the roadsides have long enjoyed popularity. The largest of these is the 'Sunday Market,' a so-called living market stretching about 1 kilometer east from the Otemon Gate of Kochi Castle with around 300 stalls on offer. A wide range of products, from food to daily necessities are sold here, and the market attracts approximately 17,000 visitors in a single day, making it the largest in Japan in both size and history. Many vendors are happy to share tips on their manufacturing methods or recommended ways to enjoy their products, allowing visitors to enjoy warm and friendly interactions with the hospitable people of Tosa. SUPER LOCAL "Kochi Food and Culture Experience Zone" Events That Can Be Enjoyed Casually by Everyone, From Children to Adults, Featuring Hands-on Experiences That Let Visitors Engage With Kochi's Culture! The hands-on experience corners set up for families include the chance to make Yosakoi naruko clappers, a photo booth with Yosakoi festival costumes, and workshops using Tosa washi paper. Visitors can also enjoy tastings and sales at the Tosa sake corner, which is currently attracting global attention. The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
The Mainichi
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
News in Easy English: 18,000 dancers join Yosakoi Festival in Kochi
KOCHI -- The 72nd Yosakoi Festival began on Aug. 10 in Kochi. About 18,000 dancers from 188 teams joined. This is four more teams and about 1,000 more dancers than last year. The main event lasted over two days and ended on Aug. 11. Dancers in bright costumes danced with "naruko" clappers at 16 places in the city. They can choose their own costumes and music. The only rules are to carry naruko and to include the words "Yosakoi naruko odori" in the music. The festival started in 1954. Volunteers, including people from the Kochi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made it to cheer people up during hard times after World War II. It began with 750 dancers. Now it is a big event and many tourists come from Japan and other countries. On Aug. 10, the dancing started at 11 a.m. Dancers smiled and moved to music from "jikatasha" parade trucks. People watched and cheered, even in the rain. A local woman said, "Summer in Kochi Prefecture wouldn't be the same without Yosakoi. I hope the festival continues forever." (Japanese original by Satoshi Kobayashi, Kochi Bureau) Vocabulary Yosakoi: a dance festival that started in the city of Kochi naruko: small wooden clappers held in the hands
The Mainichi
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Dancers light up west Japan city with vibrant costumes, music during 72nd Yosakoi Festival
KOCHI -- The 72nd edition of Kochi Prefecture's largest summer event, the Yosakoi Festival, began in this western Japan city on Aug. 10, with around 18,000 dancers from 188 teams based within the prefecture and elsewhere participating. This is an increase of four teams and about 1,000 dancers compared to last year. The main event takes place over two days, ending on Aug. 11. Participants dressed in vibrant costumes dance energetically while holding "naruko" clappers at 16 designated performance venues across the city. The festival was launched in 1954, led by volunteers including members of the Kochi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aiming to cheer up citizens and dispel the economic gloom due to the postwar recession. With hopes that it will grow into a long-lasting event like the traditional Awa Odori dance festival in neighboring Tokushima Prefecture, the Yosakoi Festival has grown into a major event from a modest beginning with just 750 dancers. Now, as the origin of Yosakoi-related events that have spread nationwide, the festival attracts many tourists from both Japan and overseas. Participants are free to choose their own costumes and music. The only requirements are that they carry "naruko" clappers and that the phrase "Yosakoi naruko odori" appears somewhere in their music. Performers began to dance at each venue from 11 a.m. on Aug. 10. Dancers in colorful outfits appeared with bright smiles, led by "jikatasha" parade trucks blasting music, drawing cheers from the spectators. Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, a local resident watching at a venue located in a shopping street applauded the dancers. She said, "Summer in Kochi Prefecture wouldn't be the same without Yosakoi. I hope the festival continues forever." A national Yosakoi competition will be held on Aug. 12.
