Yosakoi

One of Japan's largest dance festivals held annually in summer in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It uniquely fuses the traditional southern Yosakoi dance with Hokkaido's folk song Soranmbushi, creating an innovative festival. Hundreds of teams compete, attracting approximately 2 million spectators. It promotes regional cultural development and cultural exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dance and dramatic expressions within Japan's festival traditions. Regional folk dances—including bon odori, lion dance, and kagura—each represent culturally distinct traditions. Evolved from agricultural and harvest rituals, these continue to be practiced during seasonal festivals. They symbolize regional identity and constitute living cultural heritage transmitted across generations.

A creative dance fusing Kochi's Yosakoi with Hokkaido's Soran. Dynamic team performances have spread nationwide and grown into an international dance event with overseas participants.

A traditional folk dance performed throughout Japan during the Obon season. Connected to Obon traditions of welcoming and seeing off ancestral spirits, each region has distinctive dances and music. The basic form involves dancing in a circle around a bonfire and has become an iconic element of Japanese summer culture.

A festival featuring new-style dance created in Kochi Prefecture in 1954. Characterized by dancers performing while holding naruko (wooden clappers). While based on Tosa folk songs, it has evolved as an innovative festival incorporating contemporary music and arrangements. Yosakoi-style festivals have spread nationwide, attracting many participants primarily from younger generations.

Traditional Japanese dance performed by Kyoto maiko (apprentice geisha). Combines geisha district culture with rigorous dance training. Famous for festival performances like Gion Matsuri. An integrated art form transmitted alongside traditional kimono, hairstyles, and makeup. Symbolizes Kyoto's tourism culture.