SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Yosakoi, a high-energy Japanese dance known for its colorful costumes, powerful choreography, and the rhythmic click of wooden naruko clappers, has its roots in more than 70 years of history. This year, that tradition came alive in San Francisco’s Japantown, where dance te ams from across the United States and Canada gathered during the second week of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival for the 2026 Kazanami Yosakoi Showcase. More AAPI Heritage Month stories Inside the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, the sharp sound of naruko clappers and the sight of lightning-fast footwork filled the room recently, as performers celebrated a dance tradition born in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, in 1954. Created during Japan’s recovery after World War II, Yosakoi was designed by local business leaders to lift community spirits, encourage economic revival, and bring people together through music, movement, and celebration. At the heart of Yosakoi are naruko, small wooden clappers held in each hand. Originally used by farmers in Kochi’s rice fields to scare away birds, naruko have evolved into one of the dance’s most recognizable symbols, representing rhythm, energy, and tradition. “What makes Yosakoi special is the joy it creates,” said Tomas Trinidad, a performer with 10tecomai who traveled from New York. “It’s a very positive style of dance. There’s a lot of joyful energy that comes in our performances.” That spirit of celebration, often referred to as the “matsuri spirit”, was on full display as performers of all backgrounds came together in San Francisco to share their love of Japanese culture. “I love how much Asian culture is being celebrated and understood more today,” said Anna Yoshikawa of New York-based team Kogyoku. “I love seeing all the Yosakoi teams across the country come together, along with all the ethnicities and cultures that we bring.” Her teammate, Nettie Jones, said the dance’s message is simple but powerful. “It brings everybody together and creates happiness,” Jones said. What makes Yosakoi unique is its blend of old and new, combining traditional Japanese folk dance with modern music, bold choreography and vibrant fashion. That fusion has helped the art form grow far beyond Japan. Trinidad, who is Filipino-American, said that inclusiveness is one of the reasons he and his wife, Tomoko, have dedicated more than two decades to Yosakoi. “My background is Filipino, but Yosakoi really has no boundaries,” Trinidad said. “You don’t even really need to be a dancer. It highlights what’s called the matsuri spirit — the spirit of celebration.” Jeremy Chan, a Yosakoi dancer and member of San Francisco’s Japantown Task Force, helped coordinate teams from across North America for the showcase. He said the event also serves as a tribute to the resilience and activism of Asian American communities. “I think of the activism and resilience of so many people in the AAPI community that paved the way for future generations,” Chan said. Each team brought its own unique style to the stage, turning every performance into a vibrant expression of heritage, artistry and community. Julia Kilgore, a performer from Minnesota, said Yosakoi also includes dances known as “Soodori,” where everyone can join in. “It’s the kind of dance that everyone can dance together,” Kilgore said. For Nozomi Takahashi, a dancer from Las Vegas-based team Sazan, the dance represents global connection. “I have friends from Japan, the Philippines, Korea, all kinds of different countries, and we are doing Yosakoi together,” Takahashi said. “That’s a wonderful thing, community.” Daniel Rolandi, a San Jose-based performer with Uzumaru, said one of the most meaningful parts of Yosakoi is the teamwork required to perform in sync. “When we match our timing, I feel like we’re really together,” Rolandi said. “That’s exciting to me.” His teammate, Anna Stoops, shared a similar sentiment, saying Yosakoi feels less like a dance team and more like family. As Yosakoi continues to spread beyond Japan, San Francisco’s Japantown has become one of many places where the tradition thrives, connecting cultures, honoring heritage, and moving audiences through dance. “With AAPI communities here showcasing Asian culture, it’s wonderful to remind people that Asian culture can translate and be shared with any culture around the world,” Trinidad said. ...read more read less