Awa Odori

This is a very much overdue post. Below is a short clip from the Awa Odori held in Koenji, Tokyo last August. The Awa Odori, or the Dance of Fools, is a very festive event with lots of drum-beating and shouting and of course, dancing. It was an interesting sight to see, and I was glad I took the time to go out and witness it.

The Awa Odori is said to have its roots in ancient times when, after the successful completion of their feudal lord's castle, the people decided to celebrate the event with much merry-making and drinking. And after getting themselves drunk, they danced and danced, with arms raised and toes tapping the ground to the beat of drums. And thus was born the tradition of the Awa Odori.