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Premium Yosakoi in Tokyo: Free online dance festival bringing joy to the world on July 4

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A special edition of one of Japan’s largest yosakoi dance festivals will be held online on July 4. Premium Yosakoi in Tokyo will showcase the magnificent costumes, vibrant music and energy of the popular dance through inspiring live and pre-recorded performances from teams around Japan, along with a special finale where viewers can join in the magic of yosakoi performances by dancing along.

The program will feature live broadcasts from Kochi Prefecture — the birthplace of the energetic dance — along with Hokkaido and Nagasaki, which both host major yosakoi festivals. Six groups will be performing onsite in Tokyo, including one of Japan’s most famous yosakoi dance teams: Truck Yosakoi. The live broadcast will include performances by the historic Obiyamachisuji team.

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Having participated in the festival every year since it began in 1950, the Obiyamachisuji team are known for their focus on tradition and carrying on the local identity of the dance, while always trying new things to make the festival more exciting. Truck Yosakoi is a newer team formed in 1990, who seek to bring the joy of the dance festival to fans and new audiences through vivid costumes that add to the festive atmosphere and crisp choreography with a playful twist.

Be sure to tune in to watch the vibrant dance performances, and support the dancers seeking to bring hope, courage, and pure fun to people around the world. English and Japanese-speaking MCs will provide commentary throughout the event to help viewers follow the action.

This special online event is being held as part of the Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival, bringing together leading artists and communities in Japan to celebrate the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Get a taste of Kochi’s fun-loving spirit and experience the rhythms of summer in Japan, wherever you may be.

What is the Yosakoi Festival?

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Running from August 9 to 12 every year, this is one of Japan’s representative and largest dance festivals. Yosakoi dancing and the festival originated in Kochi Prefecture almost 70 years ago, as a way to raise people’s spirits after WW2. This Kochi dance has always been about having fun, rather than following strict rules, which is why you will see a wide variety of colorful costumes, choreography, and music ranging from traditional Japanese folk tunes to pop, rock and salsa-inspired rhythms! The cheerful, ever-changing, and welcoming dance has won the hearts of people across the globe. Today, there are yosakoi dance teams across 200 areas in Japan and 33 countries and regions worldwide.

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Event details:

Date: Sunday, July 4, 14:00 to 16:30 JST (GMT+9)

Where: Free online live event on the official Premium Yosakoi in Tokyo YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2qUECdUhGq6wMNqX7jU7w/featured

Further details on the event:

Premium Yosakoi in Tokyo Official Site

http://yosakoi-nippon.jp/premium/en/

Yosakoi Nippon Official Site

http://yosakoi-nippon.jp/?&ln=en

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One of my favorite aspects of Japanese culture.

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