The Koenji Awa-odori Dance has grown to be counted as a major summer event of Tokyo. The 59th event this year is held under the title “Spreading Smiles,” named with hopes for the dancers’ smiles to invigorate and brighten up the people, and the whole area, of Koenji.

The 10,000 dancers and 1 million visitors will literally color the streets of Koenji a pure shade of awa-odori. There are two main types of dance - the "men's dance" (which many females participate in too) that is deeply bent at the waist and low to the ground, and then, the "ladies dance" which is done on raised geta sandals wearing braided hats. Fundamentally, the dance is simple, you only need to raise your hands and lead with the same hand and foot as you move forward. Despite its simple nature, teams, known as "ren" create and develop their own unique performances. One aspect of Awaodori's charm is the rich variety and dazzling performances that have grown from this simple dance.

Tokyo's Koenji Awaodori first began in 1957 as a festival to revitalize the small shopping streets throughout the town. Over the years the festival has grown and now over 10,000 dancers and over a 1,000,000 spectators come making it the festival that represents the charms of Tokyo's summer. The Koenji Awaodori is held every year on the last weekend of August.

Video Festival in 2015