Awa Odori

A traditional Japanese dance performed during the Obon period to honor ancestral spirits. Typically danced in circles around a raised platform (yagura), each region has its own unique dances and music. Also held in overseas Japanese communities, it is cherished as a participatory tradition for experiencing Japanese culture.

A traditional Japanese observance held in summer to welcome ancestral spirits. Celebrated nationwide with bon odori (traditional dances), and many people return to their hometowns. Famous regional variations include Awa Odori and Gujo Odori, with each region maintaining unique bon culture that continues today.

Traditional circle dance performed throughout Japan during the Obon season. Merging Buddhist Obon rituals with folk dance, it honors the return and departure of ancestors' spirits. Regional variations in style and music reflect local traditions, making it symbolic of Japan's seasonal cultural practices.

A Bon dance in Tokushima Prefecture, held in August, and one of Japan's three major Bon dances. This folk dance tradition dates to the Edo period and is famous for its saying: 'If both dancers and viewers are fools, then why not dance?' With possible origins dating 1200 years back, its dynamic movements and music captivate performers and audiences alike.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for the chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it is held annually during the Obon period in August. Groups called 'ren' dance through the streets to distinctive rhythms.

One of Japan's three major Bon dances, held annually in August in Tokushima City. With over 400 years of history, it's famous for the saying 'Both the dancer and watcher are fools, so you might as well dance!' Characterized by distinctive rhythm and vigorous footwork, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for its chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it attracts over 1.2 million visitors every August. The lively rhythms of dancing groups called 'ren' are irresistibly inviting.

A traditional Japanese Buddhist event to welcome and honor ancestral spirits. Observed around August 13-16, it features regional events such as bon dances and toro nagashi lantern floating. One of Japan's largest annual observances that triggers a major homecoming rush, it serves as an important occasion for reaffirming family bonds.

A traditional Japanese observance welcoming and honoring ancestral spirits, held around August 13-16. Customs of lighting welcoming and farewell fires and dancing Bon-odori to commemorate ancestors are rooted nationwide. With many regional customs such as Kyoto's Daimonji Gozan Okuribi and Shoro Nagashi, it embodies the Japanese view of life and death.