The Awa Odori dance festival, one of Japan's signature summer events, officially opened Tuesday in Tokushima Prefecture. The event brought together about 600 artists from leading local dance troupes, who performed jointly in a large hall.
According to organizers, the opening performance took place in a lively atmosphere, featuring distinctive traditional dances and characteristic folk music of the region. The artists, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, delivered colorful and impressive performances to the audience.
Awa Odori is a dance festival with a history of over 400 years, traditionally held from August 12 to 15 each year in Tokushima City. The festival attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors every summer.
This year's event is expected to continue over several days with a variety of performances, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Japan's unique traditional cultural heritage.