40th Minami-Koshigaya Awa Odori 2026

About this event

The "40th Minami-Koshigaya Awa Odori" held in Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture, boasts a scale surpassed only by Tokushima City and Koenji, and is recognized as one of Japan's Top Three Awa Odori Festivals. Centered around local groups from Koshigaya City, approximately 65 troupes (ren) and a total of 6,000 dancers participate, showcasing distinct rhythms and passionate dances alongside spirited chants of "Yattosa, yatto yatto" and "Erai yaccha." The festival offers a wide variety of performances, including the powerful nagashi-odori (processional dance) parading through the streets, kumi-odori (group dance) utilizing intricate formations on outdoor special stages, and stage dances where each troupe's creativity shines through effective use of music and lighting. Outstanding dances by top-class troupes invited from the home of Awa Odori, Tokushima, are also a must-see. In addition, Awa Odori workshops will be held during the festival period, where you can see children who received instruction perform as part of an impromptu troupe (niwaka-ren) in the processional dance. Food stalls run by local merchant associations will also be present, serving local drinks such as "Nankoshi Sour & Shinkoshi Highball." Attracting approximately 700,000 visitors in typical years, it is a major event that colors the summer in Koshigaya.

Venue

Minami-Koshigaya Station

1-chome Minamikoshigaya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-0845