Feel the Rhythm of Tokushima’s Awa Odori in Osaka! 🕺💃

Experience the Awa Odori dance in the heart of Osaka! This video captures a vibrant performance from Tokushima DAY 2025 at Namba Hiroba (Oct 26, 2025), where two renowned dance troupes – Naniwa Ren and Minami Osaka Ren – showcase Tokushima’s famous festival dance. Awa Odori is a celebrated 400-year-old Japanese dance festival, held annually in Tokushima each August. It is one of Japan’s largest and most exuberant summer festivals, drawing over a million spectators during its four-day run. Known for its cheerful music and high-energy choreography, Awa Odori invites everyone to clap, cheer and even join in the fun. During this Osaka performance, you’ll see dancers bursting with energy and joy. The troupes parade in sync, dressed in colourful yukata (light cotton kimono) and happi coats adorned with local patterns. They move to the infectious two-beat rhythm of traditional instruments – shamisen lutes, taiko drums, shinobue flutes and ringing kane bells. The atmosphere is electric – often compared to a carnival in Rio de Janeiro for its energy – as the crowd can’t help but clap along. In the video, notice how the dancers coordinate steps with festive chants and fan movements, creating an unforgettable spectacle of sound and colour.