SAPPORO –
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival wrapped up its five-day run in Sapporo on June 14th, drawing 275 groups from throughout Japan and abroad as dancers in colourful costumes carried out energetic routines with wood naruko clappers all through town.
The grand prize on the 2026 competition was awarded to Graphic Holdings Presents Wakka, which emerged victorious following the ultimate spherical of judging.
The competition, held for the thirty fifth time this yr, concluded with a remaining stage efficiency on the Odori Nishi 8-chome venue in central Sapporo on the night of June 14th. After the judges’ deliberations, Wakka was named the general champion of the occasion.
A complete of 275 groups, together with worldwide individuals, took half on this yr’s competition, 5 greater than in 2025. Throughout the five-day occasion, groups showcased polished performances at venues throughout town, bringing the annual celebration to a detailed.
Earlier within the competition, parade performances had been held all through Sapporo, together with on the Odori Parade venue in Chuo Ward, the place preliminary judging occurred. Teams delivered their most refined routines earlier than spectators and judges.
Audience members praised the performances regardless of difficult climate circumstances. One spectator described the dances as “powerful and impressive,” whereas one other stated the performances had been so inspiring that they lifted spirits even in the course of the rain.
Although the competition was briefly affected by heavy rainfall, the occasion continued by way of its remaining day, culminating within the number of the 2026 grand prize winner and the shut of one in every of Hokkaido’s largest cultural celebrations.
Source: 北海道ニュースUHB