Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai

The troupe Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai was founded in October 2014 to promote the Japanese sport dance yosakoi. They became a non-profit association in 2016 and are currently about fifteen members of all ages.

Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai train twice a week in Paris and perform at many events across France, starting with Japan Expo in Paris and Japan Expo Sud in Marseille, as well as in Bordeaux or Rennes, and abroad. The troupe is a member of the Yosakoi European Network and has been distinguished as 2016 Ambassador of Yosakoi by Kochi prefecture, the cradle of yosakoi, along with six other international teams.

Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai is always eager to welcome new members and to find new opportunities to perform. Come attend their show on stage to discover this dance, no doubt you’ll feel like joining them! 

At Japan Expo Sud 9th Wave, Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai is dancing with the Japanese yosakoi troupe Vogue (click here to know more about them). Both teams will dance together for this exclusive show. Each one of them will present their original choreographies, as well as common performances.

On Saturday and Sunday, Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai x Vogue shows will be unique opportunities to discover yosakoi through its different styles! Have a look at the events in the festival schedule.

Come meet Yosakoi Paris Hinodemai on their booth, in hall 3, on Saturday and Sunday: they will answer all your questions about yosakoi!

Yosakoi originates in the city of Kôchi, on Shikoku island, in 1954 to boost the country economy and the cities damaged by war. Blending a traditional style with modern moves and a lively rhythm, yosakoi is now danced all over Japan by people of all ages.

To dance yosakoi, dancers hold naruko in their hands, sorts of wooden instruments. In the old days, naruko were used to frighten birds away and keep them away from rice fields. Sometimes, yosakoi dancers may also hold a fan or a lantern.

Costumes are varied and each troupe is free to choose its own: T-shirt, kimono, or hakama. As yosakoi spread through Japan, costumes diversified, from traditional outfits to more modern ones.