Guida
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a large-scale event held annually in early June in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This festival originated from the 'Yosakoi Festival' in Kochi Prefecture, creating a unique style that blends the energy of Kochi's Yosakoi with the traditional 'Soran Bushi' folk song of Hokkaido. Dancers use props such as Naruko (wooden clappers), fans, and large flags to perform in sync with rhythmic music. A defining characteristic is that every song used in the performance contains elements or phrases from the Soran Bushi folk song. Teams typically consist of up to 150 members (with a U-40 category limited to 39 members), performing high-energy routines lasting approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
The festival was conceived through an encounter with the vibrant Yosakoi Festival in Kochi. Driven by a desire to bring that same sense of dynamism to Hokkaido, a new form of festival was born by combining Kochi's Yosakoi with Hokkaido's Soran Bushi. Originally planned and led by a committee of university students, the first festival was held in June 1992. As the festival grew in scale, the management transitioned to a formal organizing committee. Today, it plays a vital role in attracting tourists and revitalizing the region during the early summer season in Sapporo.
There are two primary ways to experience 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 unique feature of the parade is the 'Jikata-sha' (festival floats/vehicles) equipped with powerful sound systems. The main venue, Odori Park West 8-chome, hosts the opening and final stages, attracting large crowds. Additionally, the festival includes various categories such as Junior and U-40 competitions, showcasing a wide range of generations participating in the energetic dance displays.
The event is held over five days in early June, specifically scheduled so that the final day is always the second Sunday of the month. Depending on the time of day, you can enjoy different atmospheres: from the bright, energetic daytime stage performances to the evening parades and performances under illuminated venues. The Final Stage on the last day is particularly noteworthy, as it brings together the most outstanding teams of the year for a spectacular conclusion.
As a spectator, you can wander through various venues across Sapporo to witness the diverse and colorful performances of different teams. The styles vary from structured stage dances to lively street parades. In the parade format, the entire city feels unified by the music and the movement of the dancers and the Jikata-sha vehicles. The inclusion of age-specific categories like the Junior and U-40 divisions adds a wonderful sense of community and multi-generational energy to the festival.
The main hub of the festival is Odori Park West 8-chome in Chuo-ku, Sapporo. However, many other venues are scattered throughout the city. Notable locations include the Odori North-South Parade areas (near Odori West 5-7 chome), the West 10 Street venue, and the Wow Do Risk Square area. Since these venues are located in the heart of Sapporo, you can easily enjoy the dances while exploring the surrounding urban landscape and shopping districts.
While early June is the start of summer in Sapporo, the weather can be unpredictable. Since most viewing is outdoors, it is highly recommended to bring clothing suitable for changing weather and to be prepared for both sun and light rain. Please be mindful of local etiquette and pedestrian flow to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. Security is strictly managed for this large-scale event to ensure a safe viewing environment for all visitors.