Yosakoi Festival starts in Kochi with 18,000 dancers participating
KOCHI (Kyodo) -- The Yosakoi Festival started Monday in the western Japanese city of Kochi, drawing about 18,000 dancers in 197 teams from inside and
The Yosakoi Festival kicked off in Kochi, Japan on Monday, involving around 18,000 dancers from 197 teams, both local and from outside the prefecture, according to organizers. The three-day event, which concludes on Wednesday, saw dancers wearing colorful costumes synchronize their movements and strike their small wooden clappers, known as naruko, creating a rhythmic, percussive sound that filled the festival grounds.
Dancer Sato Ogasawara expressed determination despite the heat, stating, "I won't let the heat get the best of me, and I'll keep dancing with a smile until the end." The festival's tradition dates back to 1954 when it was established to pray for the health and prosperity of residents. Over the years, heatstroke became a concern due to participants restricting their fluid intake to avoid long lines at restrooms.
In response to this issue, organizers this year permitted both performers and spectators to use public restroom facilities and introduced mobile toilet units, similar to those utilized in disaster situations, to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
