Yosakoi dancers

While out exploring Tokyo we stumbled upon a huge street festival and live performances on stage of Yosakoi dancers. Considering how hot it was, the teams which could have easily numbered over 100 and were made up of all age groups were all doing a very energetic job.

Yosakoi  is a unique style of dance that originated in Japan. Yosakoi started in the city of Kochi in 1954, as a modern rendition of a traditional summer dance. The style of dance is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. The choreographed dances are often performed by large teams.

The costumes used by Yosakoi teams vary widely. Happi coats and yukata are the most predominant costumes and can be seen in a wide variety of colours. Many of the dancers use a naruko: small wooden clappers that are held in the hands of each dancer. Naruko were originally used to scare birds away from the rice fields. The use of narukos is required in Yosakoi dance, but many groups also use other hand-held instruments or props, such as drums, flags and batons. 

Yosakoi dancers

Colourful costume

A Yosakoi dancer

Ready to start the performance

The flag waver at the end of each group

                                                                                 Yosakoi dancers on stage

                                                           

                                                                               Yosakoi dancers with narukos