The style, unique to Japan, draws on traditions of the Bon dance and the street phenomenon, the Takenoko-zoku . Japanese Text Young people dancing to the Yosakoi-bushi sound in Kochi City. Once the team chooses its own choreographic style, it aims for perfect synchronization. The Yosakoi Festival began in Kochi, Shikoku in 1954. The atmosphere of the festival is strongly colored by an ancient local folk song called Yosakoi-bushi .
Participants work out their own choreography, costumes and music.
The festival has grown and now attracts groups from companies, schools, senior citizen clubs and elsewhere. Each group brings its own approach to the dance. Some wear what they want, like T-shirts and blue jeans, while others have matching happi jackets. The festival, a big event that Kochi people look forward to, is held annually from August 9 to 12. Sapporo, Hokkaido and other places in Japan have recently started holding similar events.