Exciting Dance Events! Top 5 Yosakoi Festivals to Enjoy in 2024

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Yosakoi is a high-energy traditional Japanese dance that can be enjoyed at summer festivals. We introduce five major yosakoi events held in Tokyo, Osaka, Kochi, Sapporo, and Nagoya. If you're in the area, don't miss out on this amazing experience of Japanese culture.

Written by

Salvo

Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.

Meet Yosakoi, an Extremely Dynamic Japanese Traditional Dance

Images filmed at the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi 2019
Yosakoi is a high-energy festival dance originating in Kochi prefecture. Reflecting the culture of each region, the yosakoi dance routines are beautiful spectacles of coordinated movement.

While yosakoi festivals are a great experience, knowing where to watch a performance can be a little difficult. Read on to learn about Japan's five great yosakoi events, from Soran Matsuri in Sapporo known for its amazing stage performances to the up close and personal experience in Kochi.

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1. Yosakoi Soran Festival - Sapporo

Exciting Dance Events! Top 5 Yosakoi Festivals to Enjoy in Japan

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
Held in Sapporo, Yosakoi Soran Matsuri is a multi-day festival regarded as one of the "great three yosakoi events" in Japan. The central venue is Odori Park but smaller stages and parading dancers can be viewed across Sapporo.

The lively atmosphere of the event is enhanced by the traditional food stalls and cultural events that take place alongside the main festival. Visitors can easily grab some tasty regional food while also taking in the color and excitement of the festival.

Be sure to stay for the Sunday finale where a single team is crowned as the champion of the event after three intense days of competitive judging and votes from the viewing public.

Yosakoi Soran Festival
Dates: June 5 - 9, 2024
Main venue: Odori Park and other stages in Sapporo City
Official website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/en/

2. Nippon Domannaka Matsuri - Nagoya

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
A colorful yosakoi festival held right in the center of Nagoya, Nippon Domannaka Matsuri is usually called 'Domatsuri'. Domatsuri takes place in late August and over 23,000 performers from across Japan and the world come to participate in the event.

The festival boasts over 230 teams that compete across large and small stages around the city. The large main stage is at Hisaya Odori Park and acts as the final battleground for the fierce final competition on Sunday night. Visitors might also enjoy the 'campus battle' on Thursday night where college teams exclusively battle it out for supremacy.

As one of the most easily accessible festivals, Domatsuri is ideal as an event to mark the end to the summer festival season. Be sure to soak up the party-like atmosphere and get your groove on during the all-participants dance that takes place at the end of the final night!

Nippon Domannaka Festival
Dates: August 23 - 25, 2024 (*online: November 23 - 24)
Main stage: venues in front of Nagouya Station, Hisaya Oodori Park, and other stages in Nagoya City
Official website: https://www.domatsuri.com/english/

3. Yosakoi Festival in Kochi

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
Kochi is considered to be the birthplace of yosakoi and provides a unique up-close look at this performing art. Held in early August, the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi attracts over 200 teams from across Japan and 33 other countries.

There are 16 venues around the city. Nine are competition venues where top dance teams battle it out while the remaining seven are relaxed performance spaces where the audience can enjoy yosakoi performances at a leisurely pace.

Be sure to catch the top performers showing off their amazing dance routines on the Otsesuji Competition Stage. Tickets sell out quickly so purchase them early!

Yosakoi Festival in Kochi
Dates: August 9 - 12, 2024
Main venue: Central Park, Kochi City
Official website: https://www.yosakoi.com/jp/ (Japanese)

4. Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi - Tokyo

Known as Harajuku Super Yosakoi, this festival is the largest of its kind in Tokyo and usually takes place in late August. With venues conveniently located in the heart of the Harajuku and Omotesando neighbourhoods, the event attracts over 5000 performers every year.

One of the highlights is getting to see teams parade in tightly choreographed formations down Omotesando Avenue, Tokyo's iconic fashion street. Harajuku Super Yosakoi is one of the most convenient ways for visitors to watch yosakoi performances up close in Tokyo.

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi
Dates: August 24 - 25, 2024
Main venue: Omotesando Avenue, Tokyo
Official website: https://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/ (Japanese)

5. Koiya Matsuri - Osaka

Photo by Iain Salvador
If you find yourself in western Japan in September, then don't miss out on Koiya Matsuri! Set against the iconic backdrop of Osaka Castle, this festival is an excellent weekend event that fits easily into an autumn trip itinerary.

At its 23rd edition in 2022, this festival invites teams from across Japan as well as other various forms of street dance and even cheerleading performances. One of the last chances to catch a summer festival before the season winds down, Koiya Matsuri is an excellent choice!

Stick around for the wide variety of food stalls serving up delicious Osaka treats such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and others!

Koiya Matsuri
Dates: September 9 - 10, 2024
Main venue: Osaka Castle Park, Osaka
Official website: https://koiya.net/ (Japanese)

FAQ

What is the meaning of yosakoi festival?

The Yosakoi Festival, known as "Yosakoi Matsuri" in Japanese, is a lively and energetic event that blends traditional Japanese dance with modern elements. Originating in Kochi City in the Shikoku region of Japan in 1954, the festival incorporates vibrant choreographed dances, dynamic music, and colorful costumes. The name "Yosakoi" is derived from "Yosakoi Naruko Odori," referring to a traditional Japanese dance featuring wooden clappers called "naruko." The festival symbolizes community spirit, creativity, and the fusion of tradition with contemporary expression, drawing participants and spectators from across Japan to celebrate this unique cultural event.

What is Tokyo Super Yosakoi festival?

The Tokyo Super Yosakoi Festival is a large-scale Yosakoi Matsuri held in Tokyo, Japan. Yosakoi is a style of dance that incorporates modern music and movements with traditional Japanese dance elements. The Tokyo Super Yosakoi Festival brings together numerous Yosakoi dance teams from various regions to showcase their performances in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
This festival typically features energetic dance routines, colorful costumes, elaborate choreography, and a mix of traditional and contemporary music. It attracts both participants and spectators from all over Japan and beyond, creating a dynamic and lively celebration of dance and culture.
The Tokyo Super Yosakoi Festival provides a platform for Yosakoi teams to demonstrate their creativity and teamwork through dance, while also giving the audience a chance to experience the excitement and spirit of this unique fusion of tradition and modernity in the art of dance.

Is yosakoi a traditional dance?

Yosakoi is a dance style from Japan that merges traditional and modern elements, originating as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese dance forms like Naruko Odori. This dynamic dance incorporates energetic movements, vibrant costumes, and a fusion of traditional and modern music. While Yosakoi itself is a relatively recent development, it has become a popular and lively art form performed at festivals, events, and competitions throughout Japan, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation that captivates both participants and spectators.

What is the purpose of yosakoi?

Yosakoi serves as a dynamic celebration and cultural practice in Japan, blending traditional and modern elements to create a vibrant and engaging art form. This dance style embodies a sense of festivity and community spirit, providing a platform for participants to showcase creativity, teamwork, and artistic expression. Through Yosakoi, Japan's cultural heritage is preserved and promoted, with traditional dance forms and instruments adapted to contemporary contexts, fostering an appreciation for cultural traditions among performers and audiences alike. Additionally, Yosakoi fosters community engagement, strengthening social bonds and promoting collaboration while offering a platform for the expression of individual and collective artistry within a rich tapestry of Japanese culture.

What happens in Yosakoi festival?

At a Yosakoi festival, the scene is alive with energetic dance performances as diverse teams display synchronized routines blending traditional and modern elements. Dancers of all ages showcase vibrant choreography, colorful costumes, and rhythmic movements set to a fusion of traditional Japanese music and contemporary beats. Participants wield naruko clappers and other props, adding a visual and auditory spectacle to the lively festivities. The event fosters community engagement, bringing together performers and spectators in a joyful celebration of culture and creativity. Some festivals host competitions, adding an element of friendly rivalry and showcasing the skill and passion of the dancers. Overall, the Yosakoi festival is a dynamic and colorful affair that captures the essence of traditional and innovative dance forms in Japan.

Take the Next Chance to Experience Yosakoi in Japan!

Festivals are an essential feature of Japanese summers. It can be tempting to stick to traditional favorites such as fireworks festivals or events held at temples and shrines.

However, yosakoi festivals offer a unique opportunity to see the magic of groups moving together in sync. Enjoy the color, the excitement, and the lively atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable summer experience of Japanese culture!

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Main image by Pixta

Written by

Salvo

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