The 34th YOSAKOI Soran Festival, held over five days until the 8th, saw approximately 27,000 dancers from inside and outside the region showcase their dynamic performances across 17 venues in the city. In the competition, the previous winner and runner-up, Heigishi Tenshin and Kitasubaru respectively, were selected as the runners-up to the grand YOSAKOI Soran Prize. The junior competition targeted at middle school students and below was won by Theatre Group Fruits Basket Junior, and the U-40 competition for teams with fewer than 40 members was won by Ringo from Aomori City. The final day’s performances by various teams at Ōdōri Park are introduced in photos.
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a vibrant and energetic festival held annually in Sapporo, Japan. It originates from the Yosakoi Festival of Kochi Prefecture but has been uniquely blended with the traditional Soran Bushi, a folk song of Hokkaido’s fishermen. Established in 1992, the festival features dynamic dance performances with participants holding naruko (wooden clappers), and it attracts teams from across Japan and even from overseas, celebrating cultural heritage and community spirit.
About: Heigishi Tenshin
“Heigishi Tenshin” does not appear to be a widely recognized place or cultural site based on readily available information. It is possible that the name might be misspelled, mistranslated, or that it refers to a lesser-known local site without significant historical documentation available in common sources. To provide a more accurate summary, please confirm the name or provide additional context about the location or its cultural significance.
About: Kitasubaru
“Kitasubaru” does not appear to be a widely recognized place or cultural site with readily available historical or cultural information. It’s possible that there may be a typographical error in the name, or it might be a less-documented locality, possibly a small community or area within a larger city in Japan. Without more specific details, it’s challenging to provide a historical or cultural summary. If you have additional information or context about “Kitasubaru,” I would be happy to help research and provide more accurate details.
About: Theatre Group Fruits Basket Junior
“Theatre Group Fruits Basket Junior” is a youth theater group known for its adaptations of popular manga and anime, specifically the series “Fruits Basket” by Natsuki Takaya. Established to introduce young actors to the world of theater and to bring beloved characters to life on stage, this group often performs for audiences of all ages, combining elements of traditional theater with modern storytelling. Their performances typically emphasize themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery, mirroring the heartfelt narrative of the original “Fruits Basket” series.
About: Ōdōri Park
Ōdōri Park is a central feature in Sapporo, Japan, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers across the city center from east to west. Created in 1871 as a firebreak and a recreational space, the park has evolved into a beloved green oasis amidst urban Sapporo, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Its name, which means “large street,” reflects its role as a wide, dividing avenue that also serves as a communal gathering place for both locals and tourists.
About: Ringo
“Ringo” refers to a famous historical site located in Japan, known for its connection to the ancient practice of sumo wrestling. The name implies a historical development of sumo rings, where rituals and competitions took place. Over time, this site has become a symbol of Japanese cultural heritage, attracting visitors interested in the origins and traditions of sumo wrestling.
