From the archive
Yosakoi: Why It’s My Favorite Japanese Festival
Original source: blog.gaijinpot.com
Yosakoi is a dance that originated in Kochi prefecture, on the southern island of Shikoku. It grew out of awa odori, a traditional dance style and festival from neighboring Tokushima prefecture. Awa odori’s roots lie in the Buddhist custom of obon, making it a ritualistic dance with a long established set of moves.