Japanese dance competition

Lethbridge, Alberta held the first ever North American International Yosakoi Festival at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in September 2025. It was well worth the trip.

I had no idea what Yosakoi was until we arrived and started watching this energetic, synchronized group dance. There were teams from Japan, USA and Canada. Teams ranged from just a couple of dancers to large groups.

The costumes were incredible, some fairly plain, but mostly quite elaborate. This costume changed from a drab grey suit to a colourful outfit by just taking off the jacket and letting it hang behind.

Here is another cool costume change, and a very big flag!

Most of the dancers used little wooden hand clappers, also umbrellas, fans and flags.

This was the largest group, an international team with dancers from over 20 countries. The guy singing had an incredible voice.

The dancers wore split toes footwear.

The dancers I spoke with said they provide better grip and flexibility. It is also a traditional part of the costumes.

In total there were 12 or 13 teams. Unfortunately I can’t remember team names or where they were all from! Lethbridge was represented.

There were three performances throughout the day. In between time we had a chance to go for good sushi and tour the Nikka Yuko garden. Even towards the end of September, the garden was beautiful.