The Koenji Awa Odori dance, held annually in late August in Koenji, Suginami ward, Tokyo, is known as the largest Awa Odori dance around Tokyo; the 64th edition was held in 2023, attracting around one million spectators over two days.
The Koenji Awa Odori dance was first held in 1957 by the Koenji Shopping Street Promotion Association with the aim of revitalising the shopping street. At that time, Awa Odori was still not very well known throughout the country, but the Koenji Awa Odori has become a familiar name for many people as 'the festival of downtown Tokyo'.
Today, the Koenji Awa Odori has grown to become Tokyo's leading Awa Odori festival, with around 40 dance troupes taking part. The dance troupes are made up of people from various age groups and professions, each with their own unique costumes and choreography.
The highlight of the Koenji Awa Odori Festival is its pomp and pageantry: on a hot summer day in late August, the shopping street from Koenji Station to Konan Street is decorated with the vivid costumes of the dancing troupes and the powerful sound of drums. The performances of the dance troupes take place over two days from 5pm to 8pm at eight different performance halls.
The Koenji Awa Odori can also be enjoyed not only by simply watching the Awa Odori dance, but also by participating in it. The Koenji Awa Odori is characterised by an 'audience-participation' style of Awa Odori, in which spectators can also take part in the dancing. Spectators can join the dancing troupe in a circle, dance and sing along, and experience the excitement of the Awa Odori dance.
The Koenji Awa Odori is a major summer event in Tokyo. If you visit Tokyo, why not experience the Koenji Awa Odori?
The following is a summary of the characteristics of the Koenji Awa Odori.
- History: started in 1957 and held its 64th edition this year.
- Scale: largest Awa Odori dance festival in and around Tokyo.
- Number of participants: around 40 dance troupes and approximately 1 million spectators.
- Features: spectacular and powerful Awa Odori dance. Characterised by audience participation in the Awa Odori dance.
The Koenji Awa Odori will continue to be an event that not only adds colour to summer in Tokyo, but also brings people together and revitalises the local area.
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