Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori 2024: Schedule, Access, and Tips

Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori: A Vibrant Summer Tradition in Tokyo

Awa Odori, a folk dance originating from Tokushima Prefecture, is a summer tradition in Japan with a history of over 400 years, in which thousands of dancers in colorful costumes parade through the streets.

Awa Odori dance festivals are held across Japan primarily in the early to mid-August period, during the Obon season. Particularly in Tokushima City, the birthplace of the dance, you can experience one of the largest and most dynamic Awa Odori festivals in Japan. In Tokyo, Awa Odori dances can be enjoyed in July and August in districts like Koenji and Kagurazaka.

In this article, we introduce the 2024 schedule of the Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Festival along with one of the most famous Awa Odori groups in Tokyo, the Tengu-ren.

Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Dance Festival

1. Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori 2024 Schedule
2. Access to the Venues
3. Highlights of Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori
4. Awa Odori Song and Its Meaning
5. Origin of Koenji Awa Odori
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori 2024 Schedule

Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori 2024

Dates: August 24 (Saturday) and 25 (Sunday), 2024, from 17:00 to 20:00
Venues: 8 dance stages near JR Koenji Station, Shinkoenji Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line), and the Koenji South Street

*For more details, please check the official website of Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori.

Access to the Venues

The Koenji Awa Odori will be held near JR Koenji Station.

The venues for the 2024 Koenji Awa Odori are:
- the Central Dance Area (Chuo Enbujo)
- Eastern Dance Area (Higashi Enbujo)
- Junjo Shotengai Street
- PAL Shotengai Street
- Momozono Area
- Southern Dance Area (Minami Enbujo),
- Look Shotengai Area 1 (Daiichi Enbujo)
- Look Shotengai Area 2 (Daini Enbujo)

*Look, PAL, and Junjo are names of shotengai (traditional shopping streets) in Koenji.

Highlights of the Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori

In Awa Odori, amidst the sounds of shamisen (*1), drums, bells, and transverse flutes, men primarily dance in a crouched position known as otoko-odori ("men's dance") while women extend their backs towards the sky in a dance style called onna-odori ("women's dance").

Although Awa Odori is considered a relatively simple dance, akin to the excitement stirred by the Rio Carnival in Brazil, watching the live performances will evoke a sense of exhilaration.

*1 Shamisen: a Japanese stringed instrument. It has three strings with a body covered in either cat or dog skin.

In Awa Odori, dance groups known as ren wear unique costumes and showcase distinctive dances.

Each group has dancers holding large lanterns with the group's name, making it easy to identify which group is performing at a glance.

Every group has their own history and tradition. The Tengu Ren, formed in 1965, is a troupe with a particularly long history in Tokyo.

The Tengu Ren has over 130 members and holds practice six times a month during the Awa Odori Festival season.

Tengu Ren includes people of all ages, ranging from four to 90 years old. They all dance like one big family.

In the Tengu Ren, you’ll find dancers holding fans depicting tengu (a Japanese folk creature) and female dancers dressed in bright yellow outfits.

The Tengu Ren also makes appearances at festivals throughout Japan and overseas events. They have performed their dances in Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan, gaining international recognition.

You'll notice the skill and energy of each dancer of Tengu Ren. The performance reaches a peak when the dancers follow along with an increase in tempo and fast-paced music.

Awa Odori Song and Its Meaning

During the Awa Odori dances, the performers sing Odoru aho ni miru aho. Onaji aho nara odoranya son son!

'Those who dance are fools. Those who watch are fools. If both are fools, you might as well dance!'

This song is repeated many times during Awa Odori to ensure that all participants have a good time. Because of this, Awa Odori is also known as 'The Fools' Dance.'"

The Origins of the Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori

Koenji residents decided to host a summer festival in 1957 to revitalize their shopping district. A Tokushima native was among the Koenji residents tasked with being a dance mentor at the time.

This led to the birth of the Koenji Awa Odori Festival, which has grown and gained popularity since it started. Nowadays, it has evolved into a grand festival where 10,000 people dance, and one million people come to watch.

Born over 400 years ago, Awa Odori continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances. Watching it, you will surely feel invigorated and want to join in dancing along, stomping your feet in rhythm!

Original Author: Caitlin Adkins
*This article is an updated version of an article originally published on August 24, 2018.