{"id":346697,"date":"2025-08-04T10:31:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T01:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/?post_type=column&p=346697"},"modified":"2025-07-26T16:51:37","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T07:51:37","slug":"yosakoi-festival-in-kochi-history-highlights-and-how-to-join-the-excitement-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"column","link":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/column\/346697\/","title":{"rendered":"Yosakoi Festival in Kochi: History, Highlights, and How to Join the Excitement in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A Festival Born from Resilience<\/h2>\r\n

The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954, during a time when Kochi was struggling to recover from the aftermath of World War II. To lift local spirits and boost the economy, the Kochi Chamber of Commerce organized the first Yosakoi Festival over two days \u2014 August 10 and 11.<\/p>\r\n

Nearly 70 years later, it has grown into Kochi\u2019s signature summer event, attracting dancers and spectators from across Japan and beyond.<\/p>\r\n

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What Makes Yosakoi Unique?<\/h2>\r\n

At its heart, Yosakoi is about dancing in teams to upbeat music, each dancer holding wooden clappers called naruko<\/em>. Despite its simple rules, each team brings its own flair \u2014 from costumes to choreography \u2014 making every performance unique and captivating.<\/p>\r\n

There are only two basic rules:<\/p>\r\n

1. Dancers must move forward while using naruko<\/em>.
\r\n2. The music must include the phrase \u201cYosakoi Naruko Odori.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

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That\u2019s it \u2014 the rest is up to the teams\u2019 creativity. Many also feature elaborately decorated trucks called jikata-sha<\/em>, which lead the dancers with live music or speakers.<\/p>\r\n

This creative freedom is part of what makes Yosakoi so appealing. Over the years, it has inspired festivals across Japan, including the famous \u201cYOSAKOI Soran Festival\u201d in Hokkaido, and was even featured in the Nice Carnival in France in 1972.<\/p>\r\n

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2025 Festival Schedule and Highlights<\/h2>\r\n

The 72nd Yosakoi Festival will be held from August 9 to 12, 2025. As of June, 188 teams are expected to participate \u2014 120 from Kochi Prefecture and 68 from other regions of Japan.<\/p>\r\n

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August 9 (Sat) \u2013 Pre-Festival Events<\/h3>\r\n

\u30fb17:00\u201321:30<\/strong>: Safety Ceremony & Pre-Festival Celebration (Toyo Denka Central Park)
\r\n\u30fb11:00\u201315:00<\/strong>: Tosa Student Yosakoi Festival (Kochi Castle)
\r\n\u30fb19:45\u201321:00<\/strong>: Kochi City Fireworks Festival (Kagamigawa River)<\/p>\r\n

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August 10\u201311 (Sun & Mon\/Holiday) \u2013 Main Festival<\/h3>\r\n

Over a dozen locations throughout Kochi City will host dancing, including:<\/p>\r\n

\u30fb11:00\u201322:00<\/strong>: Obiyamachi Arcade
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>11:30\u201322:00<\/strong>: Central Park
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>12:30\u201321:30<\/strong>: Various neighborhoods: Kamimachi, Masugata, Mama, Atago, Saenba, Umenotsuji, Harimayabashi, Kyomachi, Hata, Kochi Castle, Kochi Station
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>13:15\u201321:30<\/strong>: Otesuji Main Competition Stage (day & evening sessions)
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>17:30\u201321:30<\/strong>: Yanagimachi (local teams only, Aug 11)<\/p>\r\n

\u26a0\ufe0f Note: Times and locations may change. Please check official updates closer to the event.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

August 12 (Tue) \u2013 National Yosakoi Competition & Closing Ceremony<\/h3>\r\n

\u30fb12:30<\/strong>: Opening Ceremony (Kochi Castle)
\r\n\u30fb13:00\u201318:00<\/strong>: National Yosakoi Competition (Central Park)
\r\n\u30fb13:15\u201322:00<\/strong>: Performances at Kochi Castle, Otesuji, and Obiyamachi
\r\n\u30fb18:30\u201322:00<\/strong>: Awards Ceremony & Closing Celebration (Central Park)<\/p>\r\n

Competition vs. Exhibition Venues<\/h3>\r\n

Competition stages (10 venues)<\/strong>: Otesuji, Atago, Central Park, Kamimachi, Mamma, Harimayabashi, Masugata, Umenotsuji, Saenba, Kochi Station (new for 2025!)
\r\nExhibition stages<\/strong>: Yanagimachi, Hata, Obiyamachi, Kyomachi, Kochi Castle, Kochi University
\r\n
\r\n\u26a0\ufe0f Note: Asahi Stage will be closed in 2025 due to renovations at the nearby Aeon shopping center.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

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Want to Dance? Join On-the-Spot Teams!<\/h2>\r\n

Want to Dance? Join On-the-Spot Teams!<\/p>\r\n

Citizens\u2019 Charter Yosakoi Team (Free)<\/h3>\r\n

\u30fbOrganized by Kochi City Hall
\r\n\u30fbOpen to anyone \u2014 no experience required
\r\n\u30fbPractice starts at 2:30 PM at Kochi Otemae High School (August 10 & 11)
\r\n\u30fbPerformances: Otesuji (5 PM), Obiyamachi (6:30 PM), Central Park (7:30 PM)
\r\n\u30fbNo registration needed; just show up!<\/p>\r\n

\u25b6\ufe0f Check more!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Attaka Kochi Team (Pre-book or walk-in)<\/h3>\r\n

\u30fbOrganized by Kochi Hotel & Ryokan Association
\r\n\u30fbParticipation fee: \u00a55,000 adults \/ \u00a53,500 kids (\u00a5500 discount if you bring naruko<\/em>)
\r\n\u30fbAugust 10 & 11 only
\r\n\u30fbRegistration starts 5 PM, followed by multiple performances<\/p>\r\n

\u25b6\ufe0f Check more!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Best Places to Watch (and Eat!)<\/h2>\r\n

Make the most of your Yosakoi experience by enjoying Kochi\u2019s delicious local cuisine near the major stages.<\/p>\r\n

1.Otesuji Main Competition Stage<\/h3>\r\n

One of the main stages, where you can witness powerful and dynamic performances up close.<\/p>\r\n

\uff1cGourmet Place around Otesuji Main Competition Stage\uff1e<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u25a0Hirome Market: Local food, souvenirs, and craft shops in a vibrant indoor market.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Address\uff1aObiyamachi 2-3-1, Kochi City
\r\nTEL\uff1a088-822-5287<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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