What is yosakoi
Yosakoi (よさこい) is a unique style of dance that originated in Japan and that is performed at festivals and events all over the country. The first yosakoi festival was held in 1954 in Kōchi, Japan, on the island of Shikoku. Yosakoi-style dancing has spread throughout much of Japan. The style of dance is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. The choreographed dances are often performed by large teams. Along with a number of professional yosakoi schools and town dance teams, yosakoi is also a popular event during the sports festivals held by Japanese elementary, junior, and senior high schools. Its participants include men and women of almost all ages – sometimes within a single team.
Yosakoi's most distinct feature is the use of Naruko. The traditional naruko has black and yellow beaters on a wooden body, but most modern yosakoi groups create their own naruko, choosing colors and materials that match their costumes. The use of naruko is required in yosakoi dance, but many groups also use other hand-held instruments or props, such as drums, other percussion instruments, flags, fans etc.
The first Yosakoi festival (Kochi Yosakoi Festival) was held in 1954 in Kochi, Shikoku. Yosakoi was inspired by the traditional japanese dance style Awa Odori and in the beginning the original Yosakoi Naruko Dance was the only Yosakoi dance. In 1992 Yosakoi found it's way to Sapporo in Hokkaido where the Yosakoi Soran Festival was held (the first Yosakoi festival outside of Kochi). Over the years Yosakoi has become more and more popular and today Yosakoi is performed all over the country at various festivals and events. The Kochi Yosakoi Festival is held in August every year and has over 200 teams performing.
The costumes used by yosakoi teams vary greatly. Happi coats and yukata are the most predominant costumes and can be seen in a wide variety of colors. However, some groups choose costumes that are based on historical attire, popular fashion, or ethnic fashion. Typically, all members of a team wear similar costumes.