One of Japan's Largest Dance Festivals!
By James Rogers
The Nippon Domannaka Festival—better known as Domatsuri—is the largest annual dance festival in central Japan.
It began in 1999, when Chukyo University student Mizuno Koichi (now the festival's cultural foundation executive director) and about 20 fellow students formed a committee to launch the first event. With strong backing from the government, media, and the local community, the festival has been held every year since.
At that first gathering, about 1,500 dancers performed. Today, Domatsuri brings together over 200 dance teams and some 20,000 performers across multiple stages throughout Nagoya. Millions have attended over the years—including a record 2.35 million in 2019.
Tradition Meets Modern Flair
The atmosphere at Domatsuri is a vibrant mix of past and present. Performers often wear traditional clothing, yet music and choreography range from classical to contemporary—sometimes blending both. Groups with over 100 members deliver tightly choreographed, high-energy routines that light up the city.
The only requirements? Each dancer must hold a naruko (traditional wooden clapper) and each performance must include a melody rooted in a hometown folk song. This balance between tradition and creativity is part of what keeps the festival so alive—especially for university students, many of whom count Domatsuri as a highlight of their campus years.
A Celebration for All Generations
Domatsuri is truly inclusive: anyone can join, regardless of age or nationality. Children take part in the Domatsuri Junior Tournament, while older performers can compete for the Senior Prize.
Other categories include the U-40 Prize for small teams and even a Best Family Performance, where multiple generations dance together. Watching grandparents and young children share the stage is part of what gives the festival its warmth and heart.
International Outreach
As the festival grew, so did its reach beyond Japan. Students from Korea first joined in 2000. In 2002, organizers created the Domatsuri Caravan Team, which travels worldwide to share the festival's spirit and connect with international performers. By 2007, groups from Los Angeles and Saipan were participating.
Behind the Scenes
Months of preparation go into making Domatsuri happen. Volunteers, costume makers, sound technicians, and community groups all contribute—helping with costumes, transporting props, setting up stages, and more. Local artisans often handcraft elaborate outfits, and neighborhood associations rally behind their teams.
This spirit of collective effort is part of what makes Domatsuri so uniquely Nagoya: everyone feels they're part of the festival.
Tradition Kept Alive
Japan is a nation that values tradition, yet some practices risk fading with time. Domatsuri proves that when cultural traditions are made vibrant and accessible, they thrive—especially among younger generations. Born from the passion of university students, it has grown into a massive celebration that bridges age, nationality, and background.
If you make it fun, they will come—and Domatsuri is living proof.
The Details
Dates: Fri, Aug. 29 – Sun, Aug. 31, 2025
Locations: 14 venues across Nagoya
Main Stage: Edion Hisaya Plaza (Hisaya Odori Park)
Tickets & Fees:
- Aug 29 & 30: Free events
- Aug 31 (Finals Day): Mix of free and ticketed events
- General admission: ¥500–¥1,000
- Reserved seats: ¥2,000 (semifinal), ¥4,000 (final)
The festival concludes with the Domatsuri Award, given to the best dance group—a reward for teams who spend the year creating original choreography and rehearsing tirelessly.
More Information:
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