Travel

Bon Odori Draws 8,000 Dancers to Expo’s Iconic Roof Ring

OSAKA, Jul 29 (News On Japan) - The Kansai Expo site in Osaka was alive with the rhythms of summer on July 28th, as roughly 8,000 participants gathered for a large-scale Bon Odori dance atop the iconic roof ring structure.

The event took place on the rooftop of the "Grand Roof Ring," a massive 2-kilometer-long wooden structure recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. The elevated location, known for its breezy openness, offered a surprisingly cool atmosphere compared to ground level. Many participants wore traditional summer yukata, adding to the festive mood that enveloped the venue.

As the sun set, lines of dancers circled around the rooftop, creating a striking scene that highlighted both the cultural vibrancy of Bon Odori and the scale of the venue. Aerial footage showed a continuous chain of people swaying to the music, forming a visual spectacle that matched the scale of the structure.

The Bon Odori was one of a series of summer events taking place at the Expo site. On July 26th, another Bon Odori session featured 3,946 participants from 62 countries and was certified by Guinness World Records for the most people and most nationalities dancing Bon Odori simultaneously.

Dancing is scheduled to continue until 6:30 p.m., with many attendees, including reporters, joining in the festivities.

Source: YOMIURI

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