Awa Odori is the name of Tokushima's very own traditional dance, as synonymous with this corner of Shikoku as sudachis and whirlpools, and best known as a huge street dancing festival held during Obon in mid-August. The precise timing varies slightly from town to town, and the style of dance is subtly different from group to group, but the ring of the kane, the trill of the fue, the twang of the shamisen and the rolling thunder of approaching taiko drums are constant reminders of the season every summer. Come August, there's nothing else to do but get amongst the action, so chuck on a yukata, slip into your tabi and grab your chouchin, folks. Summer in Tokushima means Awa Odori!

     TALK THE TALK
     Awa Odori terminology and chants

          WALK THE WALK
          How to dance Awa Odori

               HEAR THE HISTORY
               Or at least read about the origins of the dance

                    GREET THE GROUP
                    Minoda-ren, the group I dance with

                         THE DANCING FOOL
                         Why I love it