Let’s go watch Tokushima’s Awa Odori, a huge summer event in Japan that attracts about 500,000 spectators!
There are countless summer festivals in Japan, but “Awa Odori” (Awa Dance Festival) held in August every year is known as one of the biggest summer festivals in Japan. Let’s explore what makes this traditional event with over 400 years of history so fascinating!
Although there are several theories as to the origin of Awa Odori, it is generally said to have originated from the dance performed when the lord of the Tokushima Castle let the townspeople party without formalities regardless of their social status in celebration of the completion of the castle in the 1580s.
As it gradually became more sophisticated and established its unique style over time, Awa dance has taken root deep in the lives of the local people and has been passed down across generations. Today, it starts on August 11 with the opening performance “THE・AWAODORI,” and it is held from August 12 to 15 every year. It is a mega event that attracts over 500 thousand people from both Japan and overseas.
During the opening performance titled “THE・AWAODORI,” you can enjoy a spectacularly staged Awa dance performance indoors.
Some of the most distinctive characteristics of Awa Odori include the opening lines, “Yat sa! A yat yat!” and “Erai yaccha, erai yaccha, yoi yoi yoi yoi,” of the Awa dance song, chants such as “Odoru aho ni miru aho, onaji aho nara odoranya son son” (meaning “fools dance and fools watch, if both are fools, you might as well dance”), and the duple-time rhythm played by Japanese instruments such as shamisen and drums alongside the chants.
The dance movement, in which the dancers put their right hand and foot forward together, and then do the same with their left hand and foot, and repeat them alternatively, is also unique. Moreover, the combination of “otoko odori” (men’s dance) featuring dynamic moves and “onna odori” (women’s dance) featuring sinuous moves livens up the festival to full swing.
Awa dance is performed to a unique rhythm.
2023 Awa Odori August 12
2023 Awa Odori August 13
Moreover, the costumes of the dancers are more unique than those of other festivals. For men’s dance, the basic costume is either “kinagashi” or “yukata,” with a washcloth wrapped around one’s head and “tabi” socks on one’s feet. For women’s dance, the dancers wear an “amigasa” hat, colorful kimono with a black belt, and “geta” sandals. The view of the dancers parading through the town is truly mesmerizing.
About 500,000 people from both Japan and overseas visit Tokushima to watch Awa Odori.
Let’s go immerse yourself in the world of Japanese festival.
Watching people dance merrily might make you want to dance too. If so, there is a group called “Niwakaren,” which is an ad-hoc group that anyone can join. The group provides you with a dance lesson by professionals and lets you jump in on the action, so why not try it?
To access the central part of Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture where the festival is held, it is recommended to take a limousine bus from Tokushima Awaodori Airport. Awa Odori continues to captivate visitors with its unique rhythm, flamboyant dancers, and electrifying atmosphere. If you are coming to Japan during summer, we strongly recommend that you visit Tokushima and experience its charm.
■Awa Odori Dates: Sunday, August 11 – Thursday, August 15 (*Senbatsu Awa Odori, as well as paid and free spectator areas, opens from the 12th.) Location: Central part of Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture Official website: https://www.awaodorimirai.com/ online ticket : https://ticket.pia.jp/piasp/inbound/awaodori-eng.jsp (Information as of July 2024)
