I was told about Awa odori before coming to Japan, in a fax I received in Canada many years ago. I was told that it’s a big dance festival in the city of Tokushima, where I was heading to.Fast forward many years, and I now live in Naruto, a city that is a stone’s throw from Tokushima (I still think the cities should combine seeing as we here in Naruto have many positive things that would benefit a marriage of the two, but I digress...) and it’s another city with Awa odori.Tokushima’s festival is 10 times as big as ours in Naruto, but if you don’t live in Tokushima the traffic, parking and movement around the city is slow during the festival. But it is a big party atmosphere and should be experienced. Naruto’s festival is much smaller, but it is easier to get around and get involved in the festival.

Awa odori for those that don’t know is a dance festival from long ago in this part of Japan where the locals decided to basically have a street party and the ruler at the time from this area let the people have their fun.One of the things that makes Awa odori so different from other dances like this in Japan is that observers are invited to join in with the dancers. People watch, and people can join in the dance.“踊る阿呆に見る阿呆同じ阿呆なら踊らな損、損/Odoru aho ni miru aho; onaji aho nara odoranya son son!” Translated this is “dancing fools and watching fools; if both are fools, you might as well join the dance!” Many years ago I was a dancing fool. Now I’m generally a watching fool, though occasionally you’ll find me dancing along on the sides or even in the streets at times. Be careful!

When not dancing, watchers and dancers alike partake in the many stalls set up for the festival. There are games, toys, pets (if you consider insects and fish), and foods and drinks. Lots of foods and drinks.Awa odori: August 9th, 10th, and 11th here in Naruto, and August 12th to 15th in Tokushima. Come and join the dance!