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History of Koenji Awaodori

Launching Period (1955-): In 1957, the Koenji Awaodori Festival was held for the first time as part of efforts to develop the town. However, Koenji Awaodori had to overcome several difficult times when the survival of the festival was called into question.
Developing Period (1965-): The dancing venues kept expanding during this period. In 1965, the courses were extended to Ome Kaido Ave. The festival was first held only within the south side of the station, but in 1967, the courses were extended beyond the station to the north, as the JR Chuo Line railway had been elevated. The scale of the festival bicame even bigger after Konan St. (now known as Chuo Embujo) was completed in 1969. Meanwhile, independent dance groups were formed one after another around this time. As awaodori dancing was introduced to some other areas of Tokyo, the dancers of Koenji had even more opportunities to perform. It was also around this period when the dancers became more conscious about their dancing techniques. Some dance groups of Koenji established sisterhood relationships with the groups of Tokushima Awaodori, where awaodori originated.
Period of Sophistication (1985-present): In 1991, about 300 awaodori dancers of Koenji performed in the closing ceremony of IAAF World Championships in Athletics Tokyo. The spectacle was broadcasted live and reached not only throughout Japan, but worldwide. These days, Koenji awaodori dance groups have more opportunities to join in social / educational activities or to serve as cross-cultural representatives. Awaodori has grown up so large as to be recognized as one of the most famous cultural events that are deeply rooted in the local community.

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