Kochi Prefecture located on the island of Shikoku in southern Japan is an incredible destination throughout the year, home to pristine nature, friendly people and delectable local cuisine. But if you have to choose one specific time to visit, I would recommend anytime between August 9th and 12th so you can experience the Yosakoi Festival.
Ever since this festival was first held in 1954 to boost people’s morale during the postwar depression, its popularity quickly spread not only across Japan, but around the world. As of June 2022, there are Yosakoi dance teams in more than 30 countries and regions!
Over the course of four days, different areas of Kochi City transform into stages. Big boombox trucks pump upbeat music into the air, while the numerous dance teams–each adorning colorful costumes–showcase their best high-energy moves. I have been to the festival 5 times, and I hope to one day gather enough courage to join my local dance group that performs in Kochi every year.
I have also had the pleasure of attending a special Yosakoi performance in Tokyo back in 2021, which was live streamed on YouTube to the world–a brilliant way to share this art form amidst the challenging and isolating times of the pandemic. If you ever get to join the Yosakoi Festival, I am sure you will understand why it is so popular, and simultaneously, feel the same electric excitement that I experience every time.
Can’t make it to Kochi in the summer? No worries! You can always visit the Kochi Yosakoi Museum all year round to see displays of the festival from 1954 to today, medals awarded to dance groups, costumes, and a range of other historical memorabilia.