The 2nd North American International Yosakoi Festival, KOKUYOSA 2026, took place on September 19–20, 2026 at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta. Twelve teams from Japan, the USA and Canada filled the festival grounds with naruko and dance. Thank you to every dancer, volunteer, sponsor and visitor who made it happen!
Next: KOKUYOSA 2027 — September 18–19, 2027, Lethbridge, Alberta: Saturday at Festival Square and 3rd Avenue South downtown, Sunday at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Team applications are open →
Award winners
🏆 Grand PrizeYOSOCA🌸 Nikka Yuko Garden AwardKochi Yosakoi Ambassador Kizuna International Team🌟 Award of Excellence — “Yume” (Dream)San -SUN-🌟 Award of Excellence — “Iki” (Elegance)APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver🌟 Award of Excellence — “Sō” (Creation)Narutaka🎖️ Judges’ Special AwardSetsumai Yosakoi🪘 Naruko AwardSensyu Sorya Dancing Team
Participating teams (12)
🇨🇦 Canada
- YOSOCA
- Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador Kizuna International Team
- Setsumai Yosakoi
- APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver
- Ōzora JCAM Yosakoi
🇺🇸 USA
🇯🇵 Japan
Special guests & guest performers
Workshop instructors:
Guest performers: Lethbridge Community Taiko Association · Danceworks Dance Academy · Ignite Dance Academy · ShimaKaji (Okinawan Eisa)
Photos & videos
📷 Festival photos and videos are coming soon — stay tuned!