Akita Kanto Festival

A festival dance originating in Kochi Prefecture, characterized by dancing with naruko (wooden clappers). The Kochi Yosakoi Festival, started in 1954, spread nationwide due to its flexibility allowing free choreography and costumes, evolving uniquely in each region including the 'YOSAKOI Soran Festival.'

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.

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.

A festival held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, preserving Edo-period ceremonial traditions. Held in spring and autumn, elaborate festival floats parade through city streets. Featured are kabuki-style performances and lion dances performed on the floats. It functions as a living museum of Edo-period townspeople culture and stage expression.

A large-scale lantern festival held annually in August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Large figure lanterns parade through city streets with dancers in kabuki-style costumes. Developed from fusion of Edo-period Tanabata festivals and Bon dances. As one of the three major Tohoku festivals, it presents complex stage performance combining multiple traditions.

A popular Japanese oral narrative tradition continuing from the Edo period. Kodan lecturers recount historical events and samurai tales, striking their desks with fans for dramatic effect. Unlike rakugo, it interprets classical literature and history in an educational manner. Performances by kodan storytellers continue today.