Yosakoi Festival: The Free and Powerful Dance Festival That Kochi is Proud of

Yosakoi Festival: Kochi's Summer Festival Full of Freedom and Vitality

The "Yosakoi Festival" held in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, from August 9–12 every year is a relatively new festival that began in 1954. Based on "Yosakoi Naruko Dance," it is characterized by a style where teams compete with their own choreography, costumes, and production, known nationwide as one of Shikoku's Three Great Festivals.

Yosakoi Rules

Yosakoi rules are simple: ① Using the "Yosakoi Naruko Dance" melody as a base, ② All dancers holding "naruko" (wood instruments like castanets), ③ Moving forward. With just these three rules, everything else is free. Costumes, music, and choreography are left to each team's ingenuity.

National Spread

The spirit of yosakoi has spread nationwide, with "yosakoi-style" festivals being born throughout the country including Hokkaido's "YOSAKOI Soran Festival" and Nagoya's "Domatsuri." As participatory festivals, citizens, companies, schools, and others actively participate.

Yosakoi Venues and Viewing

"Kyoen-jo" (competition venues) are set up throughout Kochi city, with paid seats and free viewing areas. Evening performances are particularly fantastical, with the brilliance of lighting and costumes captivating spectators.

Access

Accessible from JR Kochi Station on foot or by streetcar. Early hotel reservations during the festival period are essential.