[If You're Going with Me, Let's Head to Cape Ashizuri] Inan | Kochi Yosakoi Festival | 2024 

[Team Introduction]
"Inan" is a Yosakoi team based in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, and is highly popular in the local community. The team consists of 150 dancers, with participants not only from local festivals but also from outside of Kochi Prefecture. The team boasts a wide age range, from 4 years old to those in their 60s, showcasing its appeal across different generations and regions.
The team originated from a group associated with Inan Hospital, which participated in the Tosashimizu City civic festival, Ashizuri Matsuri. In 2011, the team officially joined the Yosakoi Festival under the name "Inan," which is derived from the hospital’s name.
The theme for 2024, "Evolution - Walking Together with Yosakoi -" reflects the team's desire to continuously grow while passing on the charm of Yosakoi to the next generation. The team's dance style embodies the concept of being "joyful, intense, and vibrant," with a notable feature being the use of woven hats in both the male and female dance routines. The unity of the team and the dynamic movements of the hats are particularly striking.
[Yosakoi Festival]
The Yosakoi Festival is a vibrant event held annually from August 9 to 12 in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. It began in 1954 with the aim of revitalizing the local economy and uplifting the spirits of the citizens.
During the festival, around 190 teams and 20,000 dancers participate, energetically performing while holding naruko (wooden clappers). Each team competes with unique costumes, music, and choreography, performing at 17 different venues across Kochi City. On August 9, a pre-festival event takes place, followed by the national competition and post-festival event on August 12, enveloping the entire city in a festive atmosphere.
The popularity of the Yosakoi Festival has spread nationwide, leading to the creation of similar events such as the "YOSAKOI Soran Festival" in various regions. Additionally, the festival has extended overseas, with events held in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, France, South Korea, and Taiwan, where Yosakoi has been adapted to blend Japanese traditions with local cultures.
The Yosakoi Festival plays an important role in regional revitalization and international exchange.
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