Yosakoi in Japan

Yosakoi (よさこい) is a unique style of dance that originated in Japan. Yosakoi started in the city of Kōchi in 1954, as a modern rendition of Awa Odori, a traditional summer dance.

 

Yosakoi-style dancing has spread throughout much of Japan. The style of dance is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. The choreographed dances are often performed by large teams. Along with a number of professional yosakoi schools and town dance teams, yosakoi is also a popular event during the sports festivals held by Japanese elementary, junior, and senior high schools.

 

Yosakoi participants include men and women of almost all ages – sometimes within a single team.

 

Reference : Yosakoi on Wikipedia.

Yosakoi in France and Europe

The Yosakoi European Network (YEN) has been created in october 2014 with the 5 following founder teams : Raiden team (NL), Zyka Yosakoi (SE), Sakuramai (PL), Todoroki (DE) and Koidoukai (FR).


In Netherlands, the Raiden team - the Yosakoi team of Leiden University Japanese Studies students - was founded in 2011 !


The Zyka Yosakoi team has been practising in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2012.


In Poland, the Sakuramai Poland team has been also performing since 2012.


In Germany, the Todoroki team has been dancing since 2013.


The KOIDOUKAI danse team the first Yosakoi team in France, created in 2010.


Still in France, the よさこいParis Hinodemai team was formed in 2014 in Paris and join the ranks of the YEN in 2015.