Awa Odori Dancing Parade Tokushima is best known for a native folk dance parade called Awa Odori. From around 6 o'clock in the evening, tens of thousands of people, young and old, men and women, gaily attired, energetically dance from one square to another with light steps, waving hands to the accompaniment of the yoshikono song and shamisen guitars, drums, bells and fifes. Indeed, Awa Odori in its folk earthiness is a great leveler, accessible for all to enjoy. The dancing itself is very easy. Local people like to compare its rhythm with that of the Brazilian samba.
People dance in groups called ren .
Reportedly about a million people visit Tokushima for the Awa Odori during the O-bon season. They sponsored the dancing event to entertain their customers from all over the country, while common folk, who desperately needed some outlet for their frustration under ever heavier taxes, flung themselves into the festive dance. Today one can enjoy the Awa Odori even in spring and fall, on the 4th floor of the Amiko Building in front of JR Tokushima Station. The first session is from April 1 to June 20, the second from September 1 to November 30. With the instruction given after a demonstration, very few remain onlookers.