Seasoning the Seasons — Season 1, Episode 9: Awa Dance: Obon Festival with 100,000 Dancers

Episode synopsis

The Awa Odori dance is the highlight of the 4-day Obon Festival of the Dead in Tokushima, Shikoku, in August each year. About 100,000 people join in the dancing and 1.3 million come to watch this most popular of all Bon dances in Japan. The dance's original purpose, of course, is to honor the souls of the dead, but it has also developed as a thrilling affirmation of the joys of life, and both the costumes and music are highly distinctive. We remember back to the people who started dancing again in the post-war ruins in the cotton kimonos of summer that had somehow survived the flames, meet a woman who has elevated the dance into the realm of art, and also youngsters dancing for the first time this year. The video images capture the full festive passion.

About Seasoning the Seasons

This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Kyoto: Coloring the Season
• E2Kakunodate: Stories of Old Families
• E3Spirited Away to Tono
• E4Japanese Towers: Memories Past and Present
• E5Matsushima: Islands of Beauty and Prayer
• E6Suwa: A Celebration Down Through Time
• E7Niyodo River: Living with Japan's Clearest River
• E8Mt. Fuji
• E10Kamakura: Samurai and Zen
• E11Itsukushima: Island of the Gods
• E12Hand-Made in Japan
• E13Dolls: Bearers of Dreams