Yosakoi Soran Dance

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.'

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.

A ritualized theatrical form of the mikoshi procession seen at Japanese summer festivals. Multiple carriers move the portable shrine in unison, creating dynamic movements and energetic chants that enhance the festive atmosphere. Both a ceremony rooted in ancient beliefs and an expression of community solidarity and participatory joy.