Nov 2
The Yosakoi Festival originated in Kochi prefecture in 1954 as an event to reinvigorate the region because it was suffering economic hardship in the wake of the war. The dance of the festival is particularly unique—energetic and loud, with dancers holding a bird rattle (naruko) in both hands. Many Yosakoi take place up and down the country, but in Tokyo the “Dream Yosacoy Festival” is by far the largest: boasting 6,000 dancers, 80 teams, 600,000 spectators in past events. Indeed, it is one of the biggest of any festivals to take place in the capital. The performances from each of these 80 teams in varied with influences from folk songs to samba, and a full array of costumes.