矢島公雄   Kimio Yajima

Awa Odori, one of Japan’s most famous Bon Odori, originates from Tokushima Prefecture and has a long history of 400 years. 

Bon Odori is performed in summer, and is a dance to serve the dead. 

Natural death is not negative but expresses the joy of going to heaven with dance. 

Little is known, but a small-scale Awa Odori is being performed in the Shimokitazawa area where I live. 

I want people in the world to see the fun of Shimokitazawa’s Awa Odori.