Before the pandemic, this popular Awa-Odori dance festival saw about 10,000 dancers pile out onto the streets of Koenji. The event this year, however, will be held indoors instead. Different dance teams will perform four shows at Za Koenji theatre’s two halls over the weekend of August 27-28.
The tradition of Awa-Odori can be traced back to Tokushima in Shikoku. Legend has it that the local daimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in the streets. Whatever the accuracy of that tale, the enthusiasm was contagious, and Koenji has been holding a street dance fest of its own since 1957.
It’s ¥5,500 per show and tickets go on sale on August 2. As there are two halls with shows running concurrently, different dance troupes perform at the same time, so check the schedule before you book.