Summer festivals are making a comeback in Tokyo, and the famous Nakano Bon Odori Festival recently hosted a two-day celebration over the Aug 6-7 weekend. There was, of course, the usual fare of traditional dancing, but the event also saw some interesting contemporary elements. While the day presented a series of performances by local artists and organisations, the main festivities which started around 4pm featured celebrity guests and DJs playing upbeat pop and rock tunes.
@shlebyshi Nothing says festival season like Bon Jovi 🫶 #japan #tokyo ♬ original sound - Shelby
It may be non-traditional, but that didn’t stop festival-goers from doing the Bon Odori to Bon Jovi’s ‘Living on a Prayer’.
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Even if some of the participants didn’t know the dance moves, the yukata-clad presenters on stage were there to guide the audience through the choreography.
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Other classic hits like Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ also made an appearance. And guess what – it’s a great song for Bon Odori dancing.
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At certain points in time, the Nakano Bon Odori Festival seemed vastly different from other summer celebrations in the city. It felt more like an outdoor disco than a traditional matsuri, and we’re here for it.
While you’ll need to wait until next summer to partake in the festivities again, there are still a handful of other Bon Odori and fireworks festivals you can attend before the summer is over.
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