Today’s Japan Photo: Awa Odori 阿波踊り

Since we are talking about the awesome Kara no Kyoukai posters for the Awa Odori 阿波踊り festival this morning, I thought the festival should be featured as well for Today’s Japan Photo.

This great looking shot of the performers dancing on the streets was taken by d’n'c.

Here’s some basic information on the Awa Odori festival:

The Awa Dance Festival (阿波踊り Awa Odori) is held from 12 to 15 August as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku in Japan. Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year.

Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren (連) dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums, shinobue flute and the kane bell. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.

Awa is the old feudal administration name for Tokushima and odori means dance.