- 2022.08.28
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My reflections on the Yosakoi Festival 2022
On August 10 and 11, the Yosakoi Festival made an epic comeback after three long years. 100 teams danced across 12 different venues in Kochi City, bringing back the wild passion we missed so much
People of all ages, genders, nationalities and dance levels came together to celebrate the return of this beloved festival, which simultaneously, seemed to symbolize the fact we overcame an unprecedented challenge posed by the pandemic these past few years. Of course, the pandemic still remains a part of our lives in many ways, but I felt a strong and collective sense of empowerment as we welcomed back Yosakoi’s vibrant energy after two years of cancellations
I also thought back to the initial reason why the Yosakoi Festival began in 1954, which was to boost people’s morale during the postwar depression. As I witnessed the whole city unite over two days and lift each other up through smiles and fun, I recognized the timelessness of Yosakoi. Perhaps there is no hurdle too high to overcome when we embody a warm, loving, and community-centered spirit like Yosakoi in our hearts
Fingers crossed the festival will take place again next year, and I hope to see you there!
Learn all about Yosakoi: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/yosakoi
People of all ages, genders, nationalities and dance levels came together to celebrate the return of this beloved festival, which simultaneously, seemed to symbolize the fact we overcame an unprecedented challenge posed by the pandemic these past few years. Of course, the pandemic still remains a part of our lives in many ways, but I felt a strong and collective sense of empowerment as we welcomed back Yosakoi’s vibrant energy after two years of cancellations
I also thought back to the initial reason why the Yosakoi Festival began in 1954, which was to boost people’s morale during the postwar depression. As I witnessed the whole city unite over two days and lift each other up through smiles and fun, I recognized the timelessness of Yosakoi. Perhaps there is no hurdle too high to overcome when we embody a warm, loving, and community-centered spirit like Yosakoi in our hearts
Fingers crossed the festival will take place again next year, and I hope to see you there!
Learn all about Yosakoi: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/yosakoi
