Dreaming of dancing Yosakoi where you live? Starting a team is easier than you think — and we’re here to help. Here are the resources to get you going.
Naruko (clappers)
Every Yosakoi dancer holds naruko — small wooden clappers. You can order them from Yosakoi suppliers in Japan (many ship internationally) or have a set made locally. For a first team, a simple ready-made set is the easiest start. We’re happy to point you to trusted suppliers — just ask.
Costumes
Costumes are part of the fun and entirely up to your team — from happi coats and yukata to bold original designs. Many teams start with simple matching happi coats and build from there. We can share patterns, suppliers, and tips.
Music — sō-odori tracks
You don’t need an original song to begin. KOKUYOSA’s sō-odori (all-dancers) numbers are open for teams to learn and perform together:
- Kaede — KOKUYOSA’s official theme song
- Yocchore — the classic, easy-to-learn Yosakoi standard
- Banzai Naruko Carnival
- Shochō Yosakoi Naruko Odori — the traditional Kochi number
See the Sō-odori page for songs and videos. Ask us about audio tracks, sheet music, and choreography resources.
Know-how & getting started
- Start small — even 4–5 people make a team.
- Pick a sō-odori song and learn the basic steps together.
- Find a space to practise — a gym, community hall, or park.
- Connect with other teams to learn and grow — that’s what KOKUYOSA is for!
Get in touch
Want help starting your team? We’ll connect you with suppliers, music, and experienced dancers. Email info@kokuyosa.com — we’d love to help Yosakoi grow across North America.
Yosakoi is taking root across North America
The KOKUYOSA spirit is spreading. In 2025, the Setsumai team was formed in Lethbridge and performed at the very first KOKUYOSA. In 2026, a brand-new team — OZORA — was born in Winnipeg, following the city’s first-ever Yosakoi workshop. Wherever there are people who want to dance, a team can begin.
YOSAKOI workshop in Winnipeg — April 26, 2026
I had the honor of leading a YOSAKOI workshop at the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. This was the very first YOSAKOI workshop ever held in Winnipeg, and we were thrilled to welcome 35 participants. Even though there is not yet a YOSAKOI team in the city, so many people gathered to take part — a true reflection of the warmth and strong sense of community among the people of Winnipeg.
This was also my first visit to Winnipeg, and I was deeply touched by the kindness and hospitality I received. Seeing everyone dancing YOSAKOI with such bright smiles made this experience incredibly special and memorable — a stay I will never forget.
For this workshop, we donated naruko (YOSAKOI clappers) from KOKUYOSA. These naruko were generously gifted to us last year by Yamamomo Kobo. We also used naruko provided by Yairo from Aichi. Furthermore, with the support of Chika Tamura-sensei from Kochi, we received costume support from Matsuri Sandai IKU! and Minato-ya from Toyama, allowing us to deliver a more authentic YOSAKOI experience.
This opportunity was made possible thanks to the generous support and meaningful connections with so many people. Thank you so much to the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba and to everyone in Winnipeg — I will definitely be back, and I can’t wait to dance YOSAKOI together again!
— Emiko Tanaka · Photos by Sandra Shibata
