Written by Carey Finn
Started in 2000 with the aim of making Osaka the “Number One City of Children with Smiles”, this festival celebrates with dance displays by over 2800 performers.
What happens?
Held in six different locations across the city, including Osaka Castle, the festival combines traditional and modern dance performances in a competition for the best team.
Background
The festival began when Osaka had Japan’s highest youth delinquency rate, and aimed to give children a sense of purpose and a platform to connect with others through performance.
Suggested Activity
Quick and Easy Luggage Storage
Offering competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, and an easy-to-use English booking system, this baggage storage service is hard to beat. Locations across Japan, with no weight or size restrictions. Japan Cheapo readers get a 5% discount.
Alongside the festival, the organizers visit schools, juvenile detention centres, and youth groups to teach dance.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Mid
Oct
2026
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 0.6 km from Osaka Business Park Station Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line (N21)
- 0.8 km from Osakajō-kōen Station Osaka Loop Line (O7)
- 0.9 km from Temmabashi Station Keihan Main Line (KH3)Tanimachi Line (T22)
Typical weather at this time:
High: 28 ºC
Low: 17 ºC
