We made it to Japan safe and sound! We had a bad bout of jet lag, but we’ve since recovered, and are now enjoying the wonderful Yosakoi Soran Festival! This festival is held in Odori Park, and since this is the 25th year of this event, the event holders have gone the extra mile to make it a special experience.

Everywhere you look there are festive costumes, dancing, and shouting of “Soran Soran” can be heard from anywhere in the park. Dancers are walking around in costume in between their performances, and there are hundreds if not thousands of performers. Several blocks all around the area are filled with people looking to watch or participate in the awa odori area, where everyone can learn a dance and join in all together. There aren’t any biases in age in this area as everywhere you look there are ranges of age from toddlers to people in their 70s. Even stubborn teens are getting their groove on, and some are wearing familiar costumes such as Mario or Power Rangers just for fun.

There is a main stage for the competing teams to give it their all, and a smaller stage for the awa odori area. While these are the more central locations, all over downtown there are performances happening in the streets. Despite most of the action being centered on the Odori Park location, walking a block or two away will have you seeing floats and performers that are setting up, with plenty of police officers around to help shuttle traffic and people around.

All of the performances we’ve come across have had tons of energy, and any time a group starts to lack, others will call out to lift their spirits and get them back at top form. You’ll definitely get the feeling of a Fourth of July parade, but it lasts for several days, and the parades are non-stop for the whole day. It’s a great event full of energy, and delicious fair food. There are two whole blocks of vendors and food carts that have everything you can imagine.