Autumn Awa Odori (Dance) Festival: A Refreshing Daytime Celebration in Kagurazaka, Tokyo
As part of the "Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024," the "Autumn Awa Odori (Dance) Festival" took place on October 20, 2024 (Sunday) in Tokyo. The event featured eight dance groups performing on Kagurazaka Street in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Awa Odori is usually celebrated in a large-scale fashion during the "50th Kagurazaka Matsuri" on July 26 and 27. This time, the "Autumn Awa Odori" was a continuation of the summer festivities.
During the "Kagurazaka Matsuri," Awa Odori was held at night, but this "Autumn Awa Odori" took place during the day (from 2 PM to 5 PM). Thanks to the refreshing autumn weather, both dancers and spectators enjoyed the event comfortably without breaking a sweat. Unlike the hot and humid summer event in July, when everyone was drenched in sweat, the pleasant autumn climate reminded us of the beauty of the season.
The "Autumn Awa Odori" also saw more participation from children compared to the July event. The sight of children dancing with all their energy was heartwarming, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone watching.
The Historical Connection Between Kagurazaka and Awa Odori: From the Edo (Shogun) Period to Today
I’ve mentioned it a few times in my blog before, but the connection between Kagurazaka and Awa Odori traces back to the Edo period. Kagurazaka Street begins at the "Ushigome Gate," one of the gates of Edo Castle. In 1636, the third shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, commissioned the construction of this gate to the Hachisuka Clan of the Awa Domain (present-day Tokushima Prefecture). With the support of Tokushima Prefecture, the "Kagurazaka Awa Odori" began in 1972.
Discover Kagurazaka: A Hub of Art, Culture, and Japanese Literary Heritage
There is also a widely accepted theory that the famous ukiyo-e artist Toshusai Sharaku was, in fact, Jurobei Saito (1763-1820), a Noh actor employed by the Hachisuka Clan of the Awa Domain. Kagurazaka has deep connections not only with Sharaku but also with ukiyo-e and Noh. Near Kagurazaka, you can find Takahashi Kobo (Studio), the oldest ukiyo-e studio in Japan, and the Yarai Noh Theater, the only Noh theater in Tokyo registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.
Additionally, the world-famous "Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2024," held on October 13, takes its inspiration from Natsume Soseki’s "I Am a Cat." This festival is a costume parade that celebrates Kagurazaka’s ties to Natsume Soseki, as well as other famous writers like Ozaki Koyo and Kitahara Hakushu, who lived in the area. For this reason, Kagurazaka is considered one of the birthplaces of modern Japanese literature.
In Japan, autumn is often called the "season of art," a time when the climate is perfect for appreciating art and culture. Kagurazaka, one of Japan’s most culturally and artistically rich neighborhoods, is the perfect place to experience the beauty of "Art in Autumn." I like to call Kagurazaka "A Town of Serendipity." Like many of our tour participants, I guarantee that visiting Kagurazaka will bring you happiness. Make Kagurazaka a memorable part of your trip to Japan!
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
Comments