In recent years, "urban Bon Odori" festivals held in Shibuya have become increasingly popular.

When we think of Bon Odori, we tend to think of it as a local summer festival with a Showa-era feel, centered around neighborhood associations and local communities. In recent years, with the shrinking of local communities and the aging of organizers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue the traditional Bon Odori in many areas.

Meanwhile, in 2017, the Shibuya Bon Odori festival was held in front of Shibuya 109, Dogenzaka, and Bunkamura-dori in the Shibuya area, under the theme of "creating a place for interaction between the people of Shibuya and those visiting Shibuya." Since then, it has become established as a festival that can be enjoyed by residents, shopping streets, local businesses, shoppers, and foreign tourists alike.

The "ROOFTOP Bon Odori" is held at Shibuya Sky, a rooftop observation space located about 229 meters above ground, directly above Shibuya Station.

Furthermore, outdoor festivals with the theme of "Bon Odori" are on the rise in large commercial facilities newly redeveloped through redevelopment, such as "Bon Odori in the SHIBUYA CAST" held at the SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE rooftop observation facility "Shibuya Sky", "BON CAST." at Shibuya Cast, and "SHIBUYA MIYASHITA PARK BON DANCE" at Miyashita Park. These urban Bon Odori events are particularly popular as content that many people can participate in regardless of nationality or age.

A highly entertaining "unusual experience"

Last year, the three-piece band "BEGIN" from Ishigaki Island performed live and accompanied the Bon Odori dance.

The background to this is that it has evolved from being just a "festival" to being a highly entertaining event. In addition to traditional Bon Odori songs such as "Tokyo Ondo," "Dai Tokyo Ondo," "Kawachi Otoko Bushi," and "Tanko Bushi," the selection of music includes modern music such as pop and anime songs, reaching a wide range of participants. Another appeal is that the Bon Odori choreography is simple and easy to remember, making it easy for anyone to join in.

Furthermore, in addition to the traditional Yagura Taiko drums, the festival offers an "extraordinary experience" with innovative productions unique to urban Bon Odori, such as sounds from club DJs, gorgeous lighting, performances by dancers, and live performances by artists. This makes it easy for participants to post photos and videos on social media, creating a chain reaction that attracts even more people's interest.

"Japanese cultural experience" to attract inbound tourists

Last year's Bon Odori festival in Shibuya. Foreign tourists were a prominent sight, happily dancing along to the Bon Odori.

Another big attraction is its effectiveness in attracting inbound tourists. As an event where they can experience Japanese culture, it has attracted the attention of foreign tourists and contributed to revitalizing the region. While the number of foreign tourists has reached a record high, it is difficult to make contact with local people, but there are surprisingly many foreigners who jump in and join in by imitating what they see. International exchange is naturally born through Bon Odori, with people teaching foreign visitors the history of Bon Odori and how to dance in broken English. Although people refrained from going out during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bon Odori is playing a new role as a place for people to interact with each other as events that gather in large numbers are gradually making a comeback.

Last year's Bon Odori in Shibuya. Traffic was restricted in front of SHIBUYA109, Dogenzaka, and Bunkamura-dori, and a tower was erected in the middle of the road, where the Bon Odori was held. Many people of all ages and nationalities participated.

The reasons why urban Bon Odori is so popular include responding to diverse values and needs, providing entertainment and an extraordinary experience, spreading information and spreading it on social media, attracting foreign tourists and revitalizing the area, and providing a new place for communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shibuya is one attractive city that meets these complex needs. Although various issues arose during Halloween, we hope that Shibuya's Bon Odori will continue to evolve and continue to develop and continue as a content that is loved by many people.

Here is a schedule of Bon Odori events planned for this year in the Shibuya area. Why not put on a yukata and join in with your family and friends?

Interviews and writing

Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.