World Yosakoi Day Connects Cultures Through Dance at Osaka Expo

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World Yosakoi Day was held at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, on August 22 and 23. Originating from Kochi, the Japanese dance gained recognition when it was performed at the 1970 Osaka Expo. Yosakoi is currently performed in 34 countries and regions worldwide. Now, 55 years later, the dance has returned to the global stage in Osaka.

Bursting with Energy

The performances took place both on the main stage of the Expo's largest event venue, Matsuri, and as a parade through the site. Seventeen teams from Japan and abroad participated. Three overseas teams, including ones from Vietnam, joined award-winning teams from the Yosakoi Festival held in Kochi City from August 9 to 12.

*Yosakoi dancers parade through the streets, with quick costume changes adding to the vibrant display. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

As the groups moved forward, they shook naruko clappers in unison. With rapid costume changes and energetic choreography, the performances thrilled the audience.

Watch a yosakoi performance at Expo 2025.

Born from Postwar Recovery

Yosakoi began in 1954 as a way to lift spirits and aid recovery from the economic hardships caused by air raids during the Pacific War and by earthquakes.

*Children join in a Yosakoi dance in front of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

The dance was conceived by Eisaku Takemasa, who composed and arranged the music based on the local folk song Yosakoi-bushi. His intention was to create a festival that could rival the Awa Odori dance in neighboring Tokushima Prefecture.

A distinctive feature of Yosakoi is the use of naruko, wooden clappers originally used to scare birds away from rice fields.

*A member of the Kochi Prefecture Japanese Dance Association explains the original Yosakoi. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Around 1970, the dance began to evolve. It incorporated samba and rock styles, along with more elaborate costumes and choreography. The Kochi Yosakoi Festival is held annually from August 9 to 12 and attracts about one million visitors.

In 1992, the Yosakoi Soran Festival began in Sapporo. Today, the dance is performed in over 200 locations across Japan and in more than 30 countries and regions worldwide.

Yosakoi in Vietnam

Yosakoi's popularity grew significantly after the 1970 Osaka Expo. At that time, the Yosakoi Naruko Dance, considered the original version of the dance, was performed. It had first debuted at the inaugural Yosakoi Festival. The recent World Yosakoi Day opened with this traditional performance by the Kochi Prefecture Japanese Dance Association.

*Vietnamese dancers show off their moves. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Two teams from Vietnam also participated. Yosakoi was first performed in Vietnam in 2007 at a cultural festival at a Japanese language school in Hanoi. In 2008, a team was formed in Hanoi, and Yosakoi festivals began taking place across Vietnam. This has helped foster cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam.

Nguyen Chan Tho, who lives in Hanoi and was in charge of holding the flag, said, "It's really fun to dance together as a team." A Vietnamese university student added, "Everyone, from children to the elderly, can join, and Yosakoi is very popular in Vietnam."

*Nguyen Chan Tho was in charge of the flag for his team. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Seiji Hamada, governor of Kochi, commented on the significance of Yosakoi. "Kochi is so cheerful it's sometimes called the 'Latin of Japan.' People dance freely, moving forward without being bound by form. After 55 years since the 1970 Osaka Expo, I'm thrilled we can dance Yosakoi again and share it with the world. Connecting globally is very important."

*Vietnamese team members share how much they enjoy dancing Yosakoi. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

The Two Kochis

At the Indian Pavilion (Bharat) at the Expo, Yosakoi and India's Kathakali dance were performed in an event called "Two Kochi-Day." The name highlights the connection between Kochi in Japan, where Yosakoi originated, and Kochi in southwestern India. This collaboration was made possible thanks to Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George, who hails from Kochi, India.

*The original Yosakoi performed at the India Pavilion. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

During his three years visiting all 47 prefectures in Japan, Ambassador George said, "My hometown, Kochi, is a beautiful port city. Both Kochi cities value coexistence with nature. I hope to deepen our ties."

*Governor Hamada and Ambassador George at the India Pavilion. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Governor Hamada noted that the two Kochis have long been connected through the sea. He also mentioned the establishment of the India-Kochi Friendship Association in 2003 and expressed hope for cultural exchange through dance.

*Celebrating the Kochi connection, India’s Kathakali dance was performed at the India Pavilion during World Yosakoi Day. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Dance knows no language barriers. On the stage of the Expo, 55 years after its global debut, Yosakoi has evolved and now reaches audiences around the world.

Author: Mika Sugiura

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