Awa Dance Festival

Japan · dance · festival · Obon

Massive summer celebration. The Awa Dance Festival happens every August 12-15 in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, and over 540,000 tourists come to watch the incredible dancing.

Organized dance groups. Dancers perform in groups called ren, where everyone choreographs their moves together and parades through the streets in traditional Obon costumes.

Live music accompaniment. The dancers are joined by musicians playing shamisen lutes, taiko drums, shinobue flutes, and kane bells that keep everyone moving to the same rhythm.

Part of Obon festival. This dance festival is connected to Obon, a special Japanese festival when families honor loved ones who have passed away, and dancing is an important tradition.