Guide
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a large-scale event held annually in early June in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The festival draws its inspiration from the 'Yosakoi Matsuri' in Kochi Prefecture, creating a unique style that blends the vibrant energy of Kochi's Yosakoi with the traditional 'Soran Bushi' of Hokkaido. Dancers use props such as Naruko (wooden clappers), fans, and large flags to perform in sync with high-energy music. A defining characteristic is that the music used in the dances incorporates phrases from the traditional Soran Bushi. Teams typically consist of up to 150 members (with a U-40 category limited to 39 members) and perform for approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
The festival was conceived as a way to bring the dynamic spirit of Kochi's Yosakoi festival to Hokkaido. This led to the birth of a new festival format that combines the essence of both regions. Originally planned and organized by a committee of university students, the first festival was held in June 1992. As the event grew in scale, its management transitioned to a formal organizing committee. Today, it plays a vital role in attracting tourists to Sapporo and revitalizing the local community during the early summer season.
There are two primary ways to enjoy the festival: the Stage Format and the Parade Format. The Stage Format features performances in designated areas, while the Parade Format involves dancers moving through the streets. A highlight of the parade is the appearance of 'Jikata-sha' (decorated sound trucks) that carry music through the city. The main venue, Odori Park (West 8-chome), hosts the opening and final stages, drawing massive crowds. The festival also includes various categories, such as Junior and U-40 competitions, showcasing the energy of all generations.
The festival takes place over five days in early June, with the final day always scheduled to be the second Sunday of the month. Depending on the time of day, the atmosphere changes significantly—from high-energy stage performances during the day to lively parades and illuminated performances at night. The Final Stage at the end of the festival is a must-see, as it brings together the most elite and highly-rated teams of the year.
As a spectator, you can wander through various venues across Sapporo to witness the diverse and colorful performances of different teams. You can experience the different styles, from stationary stage dances to the immersive parade format where the entire street becomes one with the music and the 'Jikata-sha' trucks. The inclusion of age-specific categories like the Junior and U-40 divisions adds a wonderful sense of community and multi-generational excitement to the event.
The primary venue is Odori Park West 8-chome in Chuo-ku, Sapporo. However, many other venues are scattered throughout the city, including the Odori North-South Parade areas (near West 5-7 chome), the West 10 Street venue, and the WOWODRIS SQUARE venue. Since these locations are situated in the heart of Sapporo, you can easily enjoy the dances while exploring the surrounding city and urban scenery.
While early June is the start of summer in Sapporo, the weather can be unpredictable. Since most viewing is outdoors, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing items to prepare for sudden weather changes. Please be mindful of local residents and pedestrians when spectating. Security is enhanced during this large-scale event to ensure a safe environment for all visitors. Please follow the instructions of local staff and be aware of potential traffic restrictions or noise in the city.