The YOSAKOI Soran Festival opens on the 10th with 275 teams from Hokkaido and beyond.

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a vibrant, large-scale dance event held annually in Sapporo, Japan, typically in early June. It originated in 1992 as a creative fusion of the traditional Awa Odori dance style from Tokushima and the dynamic “Soran Bushi” folk song from Hokkaido. Today, it features thousands of participants in colorful costumes dancing through the streets, celebrating community spirit and cultural innovation.

Sapporo is the largest city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, known for its modern urban design and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a planned city, it was heavily influenced by American grid-style layouts and served as a key administrative and industrial hub for Hokkaido’s development. Today, it is famous for its beer, ramen, and the 1972 Winter Olympics, blending its frontier history with vibrant contemporary culture.

Chuo Ward is a central district in Tokyo, Japan, historically known as the city’s commercial heart. It includes the famed Ginza shopping district and the historic Nihonbashi area, which served as the starting point for Japan’s national road network during the Edo period. Today, Chuo Ward blends modern skyscrapers with traditional landmarks, reflecting Tokyo’s evolution from a feudal capital into a global metropolis.

Odori Park is a large, rectangular green space stretching over 1.5 kilometers through the heart of Sapporo, Japan. Originally established in the late 19th century as a firebreak, it has since evolved into the city’s central cultural hub, hosting major events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. The park features seasonal gardens, fountains, and monuments, offering a vibrant gathering place for both locals and tourists.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, has a history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people and later large-scale colonization by the Japanese government in the late 19th century. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts, as well as its distinct culture and cuisine, such as fresh seafood and dairy products. Today, Hokkaido is a popular destination for outdoor activities and its annual Sapporo Snow Festival.