Yosakoi Soran . Festival

The Yosakoi Soran Festival is an energetic dance event based on Kochi Prefecture's Yosakoi Festival that was first held in 1954. The dance style is dynamic, incorporating traditional Japanese dance movements. Modern editions and music.

The Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo was first introduced in 1992. Dances feature naruko dancers, colorful costumes and the folk song 'Soran Bushi' of Hokkaido. Originally the festival had only 10 teams with 1,000 dancers and more than 2,000 cheers, now Yosakoi Soran has become a major international event attracting about 30,000 dancers from all over Japan and abroad, honored to become the The event marks the start of a summer festival season.

Team members include men and women of all ages and from all walks of life; from students, housewives to workers. They have a great energy with performances, always smiling and happily posing for photos with visitors. The best teams are selected to perform on the big stage at Odori Park on the last day of the festival.

Teams take turns performing from afternoon to evening, on many roads throughout Sapporo causing traffic jams, but it is also an easy condition for visitors to walk and watch the teams perform.

Each team designs their own colorful costumes and choreographs their own signature dance moves to a lively unique soundtrack, no two teams are alike. The costumes are designed with 'Happi Jackets' and yukatas (a type of lightweight cotton kimono) and are based on historical clothing, popular fashion or ethnic fashion. Members carry and use 'naruko' (small wooden clappers) instruments, the use of naruko is mandatory in yosakoi dance but over the years many teams have used other hand tools or props , such as drums, flags, batons, wagasas (01 type of Japanese parachute) and buoys. The leader of each team usually has two singers or presenters singing along to the loud music, and there's usually a flag bearer or two at the back of each team waving giant flags to the music.

There are about 20 locations for the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo. During the event, attractions, commercial establishments, and major thoroughfares become the stage for the teams to dance. The main venue in Odori Park has a paid stand area for attendees to choose the most comfortable place to enjoy the performances.

• Time: The festival is usually held in June every year
• Location: Odori Park and surrounding areas throughout downtown Sapporo
• Website: http://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/