[Inui Merchants] Mama Shopping Street "Banbanzai" | Kochi Yosakoi Festival | 2024 

[Team Introduction]
Mama Shopping Street's "Banbanzai" is a community-focused Yosakoi team operated by the Mama Shopping Street Promotion Association in the Mama district of Kochi City. The team, consisting primarily of local residents, brings together a wide age range from elementary school students to people in their 60s. This year marks their 42nd appearance at the Yosakoi Festival. Last year, a new young leader, aged 30, took the helm, and the team continues to embrace new challenges while preserving tradition.
The theme for 2024 is "Rin." The team will express the poised and dignified spirit rooted in the community, symbolized by the lily-of-the-valley lantern. They will perform a lively dance to fast-paced music reminiscent of J-POP, dressed in refreshingly designed costumes featuring teal and light purple haori with color-changing effects, paired with yellow hakama. Last year, the team received the District Performance Association's Encouragement Award, reflecting their ongoing evolution.
Mama Shopping Street's performance area is exceptionally long, stretching 400 meters, and is bustling with spectators during the festival. The entire shopping street is enveloped in the festival atmosphere, with local residents and tourists coming together to enjoy the festivities, symbolizing the vibrancy of Mama.
This team preserves the traditional charm of the shopping street while incorporating modern approaches, connecting the Yosakoi culture rooted in the community to the future. This year’s performance is highly anticipated.
[Yosakoi Festival]
The Yosakoi Festival is a lively event held annually from August 9th to 12th in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. The festival, which began in 1954, was created to revitalize the local economy and energize the citizens.
During the festival, approximately 190 teams and 20,000 dancers participate, showcasing energetic performances while holding naruko (wooden clappers). Each team competes with unique costumes, music, and choreography, performing at 17 different venues and stages throughout Kochi City. The festival also features an eve festival on August 9th, a national competition, and a closing festival on August 12th, with the entire city immersed in the festive spirit.
The popularity of the Yosakoi Festival has spread across the nation, with many regions hosting their own versions, such as the "YOSAKOI Soran Festival." Additionally, it has expanded internationally, with events in the United States, Canada, Australia, France, South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries, where Yosakoi is performed in unique styles blending Japanese traditions with local cultures.
The Yosakoi Festival plays a significant role in regional revitalization and international exchange.
[About This Channel]
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