In Kurashiki City, numerous festivals are held in various locations from summer to autumn.
Among them, the "Mizushima Port Festival" held in Mizushima is a festival where you can enjoy vibrant Yosakoi. A total of 35 teams from western Japan participate, including local Yosakoi teams from Mizushima.
In November, when the festival mood is nearing its end, I decided to visit the Mizushima Port Festival to blow away the chill in the air.
I will report on a day filled with energy from Yosakoi.
What is the Mizushima Port Festival?
The 68th Mizushima Port Festival was held on November 23, 2024 (Saturday).
Also known as "Mizushima Yosakoi", this festival allows you to see Yosakoi performances gathered from all over western Japan.
The history of the Mizushima Port Festival began with a fireworks display held at Mizushima Port in 1956 (Showa 31).
As time has passed, the main events have changed, evolving through local performing arts parades and Mizushima Ondo, and since 2019 (Reiwa 1), "Mizushima Yosakoi" has started. Currently, it is held with the aim of revitalizing the Mizushima area and promoting Yosakoi culture.
A total of 35 teams participated in Yosakoi from both inside and outside the prefecture. Please check the following images for the participating teams.
The venue featured a food truck area and a stall area, with local Mizushima restaurants also setting up shop. It is a festival where you can enjoy gourmet food and Yosakoi all day long.
Report of the Day
On November 23, 2024 (Saturday), I headed to the venue with a friend.
There are five free parking lots near the venue, and I parked my car at Mizushima Junior High School. The parking lot can accommodate 150 cars, but by 1 PM it was almost full, so it was probably a good decision to arrive early.
Moved by the Power of Yosakoi I Saw for the First Time
The area for Yosakoi performances was divided into three main areas: Mizushima Shopping Street, Yosakoi Avenue, and Hakken River Street.
First, I went to Hakken River Street, which is closest to Mizushima Junior High School. As soon as I got out of the car, I could hear the music of Yosakoi.
My heart raced at the sight of live Yosakoi for the first time.
I was captivated by the colorful costumes of the Yosakoi team "Hanamai Onibachi", which is based in Okayama City.
The powerful music of Yosakoi gives me energy and vitality. The lively shouts from the performers made me naturally sway along with them.
The attention to detail in the accessories and decorations, such as umbrellas, lanterns, hairbands, and waist ties, made it enjoyable to watch.
After the first song, there was a costume change right on the spot. The Yosakoi dancers donned a haori with "Oni" written on it, changing the atmosphere and presenting a different charm.
At the end of the line, a large flag displaying the team name was waving.
The flag was impressive in both size and height, and the person holding it was swinging it effortlessly, but it must have been heavy. I thought I would be too worried about hitting a telephone pole or sign to swing it so boldly.
Next to perform Yosakoi was the "Mizushin & Kojike High School" team. This was their first participation as a joint team of Mizushima Shinkin Bank and Kojike High School.
At first, they looked a bit nervous, but as the dance progressed, cheerful shouts could be heard. They were a team that made you want to cheer out loud, saying "Cool!" and "Wonderful!"
Among the audience, there were many people who seemed to be parents, creating a very warm atmosphere of Yosakoi.
Delicious Hot Food Perfect for the Chilly Season
Inside the venue, there was a food truck area and a stall area bustling with many people. As I walked around, I passed by Yosakoi participants who seemed to be on break, and I felt a gap in the atmosphere compared to when they were performing.
After checking out the stalls, I purchased the spicy mixed noodles from "Nenyatai Umashi", which is a rare opportunity to eat.
It seems that "Hasegawa Noodle Workshop Umashi", located in Okayama City, sets up shop during events, allowing you to enjoy carefully crafted Chinese noodles.
The chewy noodles are satisfying to eat, and the freshly boiled, chewy texture is irresistible. Freshly made noodle dishes are a delightful presence at events in the chilly season.
Still having some room in my stomach, I shared the ganjang chicken from "Morinoko Cafe" with my friend, which had caught my attention due to the long line.
They serve it freshly fried, so you can enjoy crispy, hot chicken. In addition to the chicken, it was also filled with potatoes and tteokbokki, making it very filling. The sweet and salty flavor made me want to order some drinks.
At the dining space I visited, there was a display of trucks by the Self-Defense Forces. It seems that children can try on Self-Defense Forces uniforms, creating a lively atmosphere for families.
The activities of the Self-Defense Forces, which are not often encountered in daily life, are likely to become special memories for the children.
In the center of the food stall area and kitchen car area, Yosakoi was being performed on Mizushima Shopping Street.
What I was fortunate enough to witness was the popular team Honiya from Kochi, the birthplace of Yosakoi. Honiya is a team that has won awards at festivals across the country, showcasing a performance full of confidence.
The joy of the dancers was conveyed so well that the audience watching couldn't help but smile. It was a few minutes where I was captivated by their synchronized dance and bright expressions.
Taking a Break While Watching the Stage
A stage was set up in the center of the venue.
There were chairs and tables available, allowing people to sit and take a break while watching Yosakoi. It was impressive to see elderly people enjoying Yosakoi leisurely while chatting.
There was also a stage for the local Kozakura Nursery School, where the children dancing Yosakoi with great effort were heartwarming to see. I thought that the culture of Yosakoi is being passed down to the next generation in this way.
Since I could sit and watch Yosakoi, I took a break while enjoying some snacks.
There were many dessert stalls, and after some deliberation, I got chai and scones from T’s CLOVER. T’s CLOVER, which has an office in Mizushima, is a place I have seen at events in Kurashiki City several times and have been curious about.
There were four types of chai, and I chose a spicy chai with a kick, while my friend opted for apple rum. They paired perfectly with the sweet and moist scones.
Being able to eat delicious local food is one of the charms of the festival.
Yosakoi from Local Mizushima 'Kurashiki Honiya'
At dusk, the Yosakoi I was most looking forward to, Honiya Kurashiki, began.
Honiya Kurashiki is a team that symbolizes Mizushima Yosakoi. The Yosakoi started with many spectators watching warmly.
The Yosakoi was vibrant and energetic, making us feel excited and joyful as spectators. The perfectly synchronized choreography was also delightful.
At first, I thought it was "cute" to see the children dancing behind the adults, but they showed a magnificent Yosakoi with confidence, and my feelings changed to "cool!"
Honiya Kurashiki, representing Mizushima, finished their performance surrounded by many spectators until the end.
The sight of them dancing Yosakoi against the backdrop of the setting sun was very impressive and cool.
As a presence that enhances Mizushima Yosakoi, I felt motivated to support their future activities.
Conclusion
I saw Yosakoi for the first time at the Mizushima Port Festival.
Each team had different music and choreography, and I could feel their attention to detail in costumes and props. I felt fortunate to be able to enjoy such a variety of unique Yosakoi all at once.
It was also impressive that there were many local participating teams such as 'Honiya Kurashiki', 'Mizushin & Kojike High School', and 'Kozakura Nursery School'. I think they showcased the unique excitement of Mizushima Yosakoi.
I look forward to seeing what kind of Yosakoi I will encounter at next year's Mizushima Port Festival.
Data for the 68th Mizushima Port Festival
| Name | 68th Mizushima Port Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | November 23, 2024 (Saturday) From 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Location | Mizushima Shopping Street, Yosakoi Main Street, Hakken River Street |
| Website | Mizushima Port Festival |
