One of Japan’s most iconic summer folk dance festivals, Awa Odori can be traced back to its origins in Tokushima prefecture more than 400 years ago. This lively celebration has since brought its infectious energy to many cities across Japan.
Awa Odori is famous for its distinctive choreography. Women dance gracefully on the tips of their wooden geta sandals while wearing fan-shaped straw hats known as amigasa, accompanied by other dancers performing a crouching-style manoeuvre in short happi coats – all backed by a live band of flutes and drums. The mood is so exuberant that the festival often culminates in a giant block party.
As a lead-up to the grand Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima this August, the organisers are throwing a preview celebration at Osaka Station City over the June 20–21 weekend.
The two-day event is spread across two sites. On the second-floor Atrium Plaza, you’ll find screenings of Awa Odori videos, official festival merchandise and local produce from Tokushima.
The Time and Space Plaza (also known as Toki-no-Hiroba) on the fifth floor will feature a stage hosting two hour-long Awa Odori performances a day: 3pm and 5pm on Saturday June 20, as well as 12.30pm and 3pm on Sunday June 21. Between the shows, do check out the tourist information booth to learn more about travelling in Tokushima.