In August, the streets of Japan are filled with the sounds of music and dance. In Tokyo, one of the monster events is the Harajuku Omotesando Genki-sai Super Yosakoi, for which dozens of teams gather to perform on streets and stages in the famous shopping district.
This year, 110 teams hailing from all over Japan and around the world competed in annual event, held on Aug. 24-25.
The original dance originated in Kochi Prefecture. It’s characterized by wooden clapping instruments called naruko, which used to be a tool to scare birds away from crops.
The current-day dances performed at Super Yosakoi, which was launched in Tokyo in 2001, incorporate elaborate costumes and choreography, as well as a mix of traditional and modern music. Some teams even have their own rapping MCs and live musicians.
Despite the a wide range of ages among dancers, everyone is equally genki (energetic) despite the high temperatures and humidity of summer in the city.
Here’s a sample of the dancing that made it even hotter on Saturday and Sunday.
