KOKUYOSA’s 1st Edition · Special Guests
For the very first KOKUYOSA, leading Yosakoi figures from Japan joined us as special guests: Chika Tamura, a renowned choreographer from Kochi, and Takeshi Miyamoto, one of the founders of Hokkaido’s YOSAKOI Soran Festival, known for the songs “Yocchore” and “POWER!” They offered special performance guidance to participants.
Invited guests
Takeshi Miyamoto
Also known as “Mr. YOSAKOI Soran,” Takeshi Miyamoto is one of the founders of Hokkaido’s YOSAKOI Soran Festival and is nationally renowned. He created the sō-odori songs “Yocchore” and “POWER!” and sang “Banzai!! NARUKO CARNIVAL,” the sō-odori song for the festival’s 30th anniversary in 2021. At KOKUYOSA he joined a special performance as the “Banzai NARUKO CARNIVAL” team to energize the venue.
Chika Tamura
Based at the Kochi Little Players Theater, Chika Tamura is active in Yosakoi choreography and in planning and directing events, and is also known as an instructor of “drama workshops” themed on rich communication. At Yosakoi Kobo Saisai she handles choreography and direction, influencing many dancers. At the event she held a simple workshop for the general public, a fun chance to learn Yosakoi choreography and lore.
At this first KOKUYOSA event, there was a rare chance to receive direct guidance from a choreographer and a producer. Workshops open to dancers and spectators alike were also planned. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the full appeal of Yosakoi alongside our special guests!
KOKUYOSA 2026 · 2nd Edition Special Guests
For the 2nd KOKUYOSA, we are delighted to welcome two special guests from Japan: choreographer Chika Tamura, returning from the first edition, and Yoshihiro Kaneko of the team Narutaka, who serves as vocalist, overall director, and lyricist.
Invited guests
Chika Tamura
Based at the Kochi Little Players Theater, Chika Tamura is active in Yosakoi choreography and in the planning and direction of events, and is also known as an instructor of “drama workshops” themed on rich communication. At Yosakoi Kobo Saisai she handles choreography and direction, influencing many dancers. At KOKUYOSA 2026 she will again lead a workshop open to everyone—a fun chance to learn Yosakoi choreography and lore.
Yoshihiro Kaneko
Yoshihiro Kaneko is the vocalist, overall director, and lyricist of Narutaka, a Yosakoi team from Kochi. As the representative of Retrock, he leads the team’s performance production and choreography and has earned numerous awards. He is also active in spreading Yosakoi internationally, helping to share Kochi’s Yosakoi culture overseas. At KOKUYOSA 2026 he joins us to bring the energy and artistry of Narutaka to the stage.
At KOKUYOSA 2026, you’ll have another rare opportunity to receive direct guidance from leading Yosakoi figures. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the full appeal of Yosakoi alongside our special guests!