What does awa odori mean?

Awa odori is a kind of dance in Japan, and it is one of the three major basin dances in Japan.

Awa odori has a history of more than 400 years, and it is held from August 12 to 15 every year. There are usually dozens of people performing in odori, and men and women are divided into several groups. Tokushima odori is the largest and most famous in Japan.

About awa odori:

In awa odori, there are usually dozens of people dancing together in the street. Usually, men and women form a small group to dance in front with the rhythm of 2 beats, and the accompanist follows. Musical instruments are basically Sanweixian, Taigu, Giant Drum and Flute.

Odori's history can be traced back to before the Japanese Asuka period. At that time, people advocated political rhetoric, and they lived in the era of noble literati. Later, influenced by the Tang Dynasty, odori began to blend into the aristocratic culture and was appreciated by the public.

Awa odori has high taste, and his clothes are gorgeous, dazzling and elegant. In addition to absorbing aristocratic culture, odori also absorbed civilian culture in the process of development, which contained the atmosphere of free carnival. Awa odori is as light as running water in the female dance team, with extremely elegant rhythm and infinite charm.

Awa odori's dance movements are not complicated, and basically revolve around the rhythm of two beats. After World War II, as a representative of local culture, awa odori was paid attention to and gradually became popular in Japan. It is generally believed that awa odori developed from the fairy dance in religious activities.