YOSAKOI Soran Festival - Early Summer Dance Event in Sapporo, Hokkaido

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is one of Japan's largest dance festivals, coloring the early summer of Sapporo, Hokkaido. Born in 1992 through the fusion of Kochi Prefecture's "Yosakoi Festival" and Hokkaido's traditional folk song "Soran Bushi," it has since evolved into a major urban event with participation from teams across Japan and overseas.

The festival's greatest feature is its high level of creativity - as long as two rules are met (holding naruko wooden clappers and incorporating a Soran Bushi phrase in the music), the music genre, choreography, and costumes are completely free. From Japanese taiko drums to rock and EDM, each team delivers performances filled with their unique character. At Odori Park stages and along the city's main streets, powerful parade performances unfold with large sound trucks leading the way, creating heat and dynamism across a wide range of participants from students to working adults, children, and seniors.

Spectators also become one with the performers through hand clapping and group dancing, creating an uplifting atmosphere where participation is as enjoyable as watching. Experience the dynamic group dances, colorful costumes, and overwhelming energy in the fresh early summer of Sapporo.