Yosakoi Soran Festival

Taking place in Odori Park, Sapporo, this team dance event has been a fixture of the Hokkaido summer event calendar since 1992.

Yosakoi is a form of team-based dancing that originated in the 1950s as a modern form of the older awa odori. The energetic performances feature bright and sometimes elaborate costumes and makeup, vigorous waving of large flags, chanting and loud drum driven music.

The first three days of the festival are regular weekdays, so festivities are restricted to the evening. On Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th, there will be events throughout the day from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and from 10am to 8pm on Sunday.

(Greg Lane)