Japan’s Awa Odori Festival

“Dancing with the Ancients – and Tourists: A Journey into Japan’s Awa Odori Festival”

If your idea of a Japanese summer involves solemn temples, minimalism, and absolute silence interrupted only by the subtle clink of a tea cup—prepare to have your expectations politely but vigorously shuffled. Every August, the otherwise peaceful city of Tokushima, nestled quietly on Shikoku Island, erupts in a jubilant chaos known as the Awa Odori Festival – Japan’s largest, loudest, and most leg-swingingly uninhibited traditional dance party.

Yes, the Japanese dance. Quite a lot, actually..... Click for full article