Mikoshi Procession Ritual Theater

A New Year Sumo ceremony in Fukuoka. Young men participate bare-chested in a fierce ritual tug-of-war using a giant rope. A traditional ceremony praying for agricultural abundance and neighborhood safety, symbolizing seasonal transition through the contest between east and west teams. Continuing from the Edo period, it marks Fukuoka's transition from winter to spring.

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 traditional lantern festival held annually in August in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. Developed from Edo-period Tanabata festivals, participants manipulate lanterns with countless paper lanterns attached to bamboo poles. Men skillfully balance lanterns weighing over 50kg on their foreheads, shoulders, and hips while dancing. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

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.