Awa Odori Dancers Fill Tokushima Streets

Aug 13, 2026 | News On Japan

Tokushima - Street performances began across Tokushima on August 12 as the city's Awa Odori festival entered its second day, with leading dance groups showcasing graceful routines after months of practice.

Performers appeared at locations throughout the city, drawing tourists and other spectators into the distinctive atmosphere of one of Japan's best-known traditional dance festivals.

The celebration is famously associated with the saying that both the dancers and those watching are "fools," with spectators on August 12 becoming the "watching fools" as they enjoyed the performances by the "dancing fools."

The Awa Odori opened on August 11 with an indoor performance featuring about 600 selected dancers.

Source: Kyodo

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