Awa Odori in Tokushima – Japan’s Biggest Bon Dance Festival
Awa Odori has a history of more than 400 years and is one of the largest Bon Odori festivals in Japan, held mainly in Tokushima City every year from August 11 to 15. During this period, more than one million visitors come from inside and outside Japan, and the whole city is wrapped in enthusiasm. The sight of dancers forming lines to the calls is a summer tradition that symbolizes Tokushima.
What is Awa Odori? Japan’s Famous Dance Festival
“Odoruh aho ni miruh aho, onaji aho nara odorana son son” – this phrase is the representative call of Awa Odori. The meaning is “those who dance and those who watch are both fools, so if you are a fool anyway, you should dance,” inviting the audience to join.
The music is played by “narimono” (musical ensemble) of traditional instruments such as shamisen (three-stringed lute), taiko (Japanese drum), kane (small gong), and fue (bamboo flute). The two-beat rhythm echoes through the city, and the dancing groups called “ren” parade along the streets. Men’s dance is brave, women’s dance is elegant – each ren shows unique style.
The Origins and History of Awa Odori
There are several theories about the origin: the “castle construction theory” that says it started when Hachisuka Iemasa allowed the townspeople to dance in celebration of Tokushima Castle construction, the “Bon Odori theory” that says it derived from ancestor memorial Bon Odori, and the “furyu odori theory” that connects it to elegant dances at the end of the Sengoku period.
The indigo merchants who supported the prosperity of Awa also played a large role in supporting performing arts, and Awa Odori developed together with common people’s culture, being handed down as the representative traditional art of Tokushima.
Awa Odori Dance & Music: Highlights
- Otoko-odori (men’s dance)
Dancers wear happi coats or yukata (cotton kimono) and dance powerfully. Movements are large and dynamic, sometimes comical. Women and children sometimes perform men’s dance as well.
- Onna-odori (women’s dance)
Dancers wear yukata and amigasa (woven hats), and dance gracefully with refined movements. Elegance and beauty are emphasized.
- Narimono (musical instruments)
The musical team behind the dancers. Shamisen and taiko provide rhythm, kane gives direction like a conductor, and fue plays the main melody called “zomeki.” Each ren has its own variation.
Key Awa Odori Terms Explained
- Ren: a dance group. Sizes range from a few dozen to 200 members, including famous ren, student ren, and company ren.
- Zomeki: the unique music of Awa Odori. Each ren has a slightly different arrangement.
- Yoshikono: the representative song and rhythm of Awa Odori, known for the chant “erai yaccha, erai yaccha, yoi yoi yoi yoi.” In practice, the shout “Yattosa!” is used more often.
- Niwaka-ren: special ren where tourists can join. Even beginners can copy the simple moves and instantly become “dancing fools.”
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Festival Glossary: Terms You’ll See at Japanese Matsuri
Awa Odori Festival Visitor Tips
Awa Odori takes place at several sites in Tokushima City.
- Ticketed stages: where you can watch from reserved seats. Popular seats sell out quickly.
- Free street stages: held on the streets, where you can see the dancers up close.
- Indoor performances: such as at Asty Tokushima, where famous ren perform in comfortable indoor environment.
For tourists, joining the “Niwaka-ren” is highly recommended. It is the only place where visitors can jump in and dance together. The experience of changing from a “watching fool” to a “dancing fool” will be unforgettable.
Awa Odori Festival Dates in Tokushima (Update as needed)
In 2025, Tokushima City Awa Odori will be held from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15. The opening event “Takumi no Butai – Suguribi” will feature about 600 dancers showing overwhelming performances.
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Where to See Awa Odori Outside Tokushima
Even if you miss the original Tokushima event, there are chances to see Awa Odori in other cities.
- Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori: to be held on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025 (66th edition). Famous ren from Tokushima also participate, with about one million spectators.
- Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori: to be held from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, 2025 (39th edition). Large scale festival around the station.
- Local ren in other regions: groups such as Shonan Ren perform at various events across Japan, spreading Awa Odori culture nationwide.
Awa Odori is not only the summer of Tokushima but also a moving expression of Japanese culture spreading nationwide. Not only watching but also dancing will let you become part of the enthusiasm.
Which festival will you go to next?
Editor and writer from Japan. Not the best at English, but I share real stories with heart and honesty — aiming to connect cultures and ideas that matter.
