Latest News
Tuesday, 30th September 2014
In Events In Japan,
Dream Yosakoi Festival
The Dream Yosakoi Festival is gearing up in Japan, and if you're into your traditional Japanese dances, this is one event you won't want to miss.
Taking place across the country during the first half of November, this particular matsuri holds its roots in the city of Kochi and has attained worldwide popularity as people fly in from all around the world to witness the performance.
Tokyo is one of the places where the dancing is most impressive, with more than 6,000 dancers in about 80 teams congregating in a number of locations across the city. The displays are so mind blowing that some 500,000 spectators turn out to witness them.
The yosakoi dance itself was originally started to celebrate postwar reconstruction and is unique in that it has changed over time. While most Japanese dance forms are rigid and haven't changed in thousands of years, yosakoi is fluid and always changing.
Just as the moves of the dance are fluid, performers are free to craft their own costumes and hairstyles, making for a wild spectrum of Japanese styles on display. They take pride in continuing the performance no matter what the weather is, and the action carries on even during an unexpected downpour.
Regarding the music you can expect to hear, every team is expected to perform to the traditional song Yosakoi Naruko Odori, although many choose to rearrange the verses to give themselves a little individuality.
Local folk songs, rock and samba styles of music are also regularly heard. It's certain to be a vigorous display, with Tokyoites always relishing a chance to let their hair down for a special festive reason.
Performances this year will emerge in Odaiba, Marunouchi and Yurakucho. Those who wish to attend are advised to see the website for full details.