The Largest Dance Festival in Japan

Do you know Awa Odori? The Largest Dance Festival in Japan called “Fool’s Dance” whose origins date back 400 years. — amazing street parties, music festivals and carnivals, annually held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture.
“Awa” is the former name of Tokushima. This Awa festival features folkdances performed to welcome the souls of ancestors in the Bon season.

The dancers are grouped into teams called “ren”, which are usually made up several dozen dancers.
They march through the streets in unison to music performed on the shamisen, flute, drums, and bells singing “Odoru aho ni miru aho; onaji aho nara odoranya son son!” (It’s a fool who dances and a fool who watches; if both are fools, you might as well dance!).

<“Aho-ren” : Its Dynamism and Beauty>

Each Awaodori-ren (group) has its own dancing style. “Aho-ren”, one of the most famous and popular, is known for female dancers’ “kite-style dance”, and males’ dynamic choreography. Watch the video to see their great performance!

<“Honma-ren” : The Unity and the Harmony>

“Honma-ren”, one of the famous and popular ren (groups), is known for its well-choreographed performance and dancers’ smiling faces. Don’t miss its female dancers’ rythmic performance, dancing in the dance style for men.

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