Latest news with #AwaOdori
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This Dotonbori food hall serves up classic Osaka dishes with cultural shows
If you're visiting Osaka, chances are you'll find yourself in Dotonbori. And why wouldn't you? It's arguably the most famous district in the city, renowned worldwide as Osaka's hub for nightlife and entertainment. There are art attractions, over-the-top store signs, the iconic Glico man (of course!), and a seemingly endless array of restaurants, bars and street food. With so much going on, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and the sensory overload Dotonbori brings. If you want to soak it all in – but in a more contained way – consider stopping by Dotonbori Yatai Mura, a food hall that opened just last year and serves as a one-stop spot capturing the essence of Dotonbori. With a prime location by the Dotonbori Canal, this food hall draws its inspiration from Japanese festivals, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. The space is spread across two floors. On the first floor, you'll find stalls offering a wide selection of classic Osaka dishes and street food. There's kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables), tempura, grilled seafood such as king crab and scallops, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi rice bowls, ramen and stir-fried udon. Recently, the selection has expanded with the opening of Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki Chitose and Unagi no Hasegawa, both well-established local restaurants. They've opened offshoots here, serving Osaka staples like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancakes) and a variety of grilled eel (unagi) dishes. Upstairs, there's additional seating, a bar where you can sample 30 types of alcohol including sake and shochu, and a stage that hosts regular live performances. Expect classic, crowd-pleasing Japanese performing arts and festival dances such as taiko drumming, Awa Odori, Bon Odori and more. There's a nominal fee of ¥1,000 for a seat to enjoy the shows. So if you're looking to rest your feet and feed your appetite at the same time, Dotonbori Yatai Mura is worth considering, especially with its outdoor terrace seating by the water. It's a great spot to people-watch, take in an iconic Osaka scene you've likely seen countless times in photos – and now, finally, in person – with a drink in hand. For more information and the performance schedule, check the website.
India Gazette
04-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Japan: Tokushima prefecture Governor eyes stronger India-Japan partnership
Tokushima [Japan], June 4 (ANI): Masazumi Gotoda, Governor of Tokushima Prefecture in Japan, shared his vision for strengthening international relations, particularly with India, to promote exports and attract skilled foreign talent. Located on Shikoku Island, one of Japan's four main islands, Tokushima has emerged as the most proactive of the island's four prefectures in advancing global engagement. Governor Gotoda, who took office two years ago after serving 23 years in Japan's House of Representatives, has introduced bold administrative reforms aimed at transforming the prefecture. Among his first initiatives was the establishment of the International Affairs Office, a division he oversees directly. 'Deepening overseas relations is not just a policy--it's a necessity in a rapidly changing Japanese society,' said Governor Gotoda in an exclusive interview with ANI. Tokushima's ties with India are already robust, with several major Japanese firms operating in the country. Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its subsidiaries have set up facilities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the well-known LED manufacturer Nichia Corporation operates in Gurgaon. Shikoku Kakoki, another company from the region, exports shelf-stable, paper-packed tofu -- a unique food product that does not require refrigeration, showcasing Tokushima's innovation in food processing. Facing Japan's demographic challenges such as declining population and workforce, Governor Gotoda emphasised the need for innovative governance and international collaboration. A strong advocate of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, he pointed to the success of Kamiyama Marugoto College, where nearly 90 per cent of students come from outside the prefecture. 'This institution is a symbol of our commitment to cultivating future-ready talent,' he said. Governor Gotoda is also championing the acceptance of foreign workers to address labour shortages. Last year, Tokushima recorded Japan's highest increase in both the rate and amount of the minimum wage. He believes this competitive wage growth will help attract high-level professionals and visitors from India. 'We are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive,' he said. Tokushima is not only progressive in policy but also rich in tradition and natural beauty. The prefecture is home to Awa Odori, Japan's iconic dance festival, as well as sacred pilgrimage routes and lush landscapes. Governor Gotoda's office reflects his pride in local culture, adorned with Tokushima's specialty products. 'Promoting our cultural assets through global partnerships is a vital part of our strategy,' he added. In his concluding remarks, Governor Gotoda expressed hope that India and Tokushima will forge even stronger ties in the coming years--anchored in shared values of innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity. (ANI)
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Japan: Tokushima Prefecture Governor Masazumi Gotoda eyes stronger ties with India
Tokushima [Japan], May 29 (ANI): Masazumi Gotoda, Governor of Tokushima Prefecture in Japan, shared his vision for strengthening international relations, particularly with India, to promote exports and attract skilled foreign talent. Located on Shikoku Island, one of Japan's four main islands, Tokushima has emerged as the most proactive of the island's four prefectures in advancing global engagement. Governor Gotoda, who took office two years ago after serving 23 years in Japan's House of Representatives, has introduced bold administrative reforms aimed at transforming the prefecture. Among his first initiatives was the establishment of the International Affairs Office, a division he oversees directly. 'Deepening overseas relations is not just a policy--it's a necessity in a rapidly changing Japanese society,' said Governor Gotoda in an exclusive interview with ANI. Tokushima's ties with India are already robust, with several major Japanese firms operating in the country. Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its subsidiaries have set up facilities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the well-known LED manufacturer Nichia Corporation operates in Gurgaon. Shikoku Koki, another company from the region, exports shelf-stable, paper-packed tofu -- a unique food product that does not require refrigeration, showcasing Tokushima's innovation in food processing. Facing Japan's demographic challenges such as declining population and workforce, Governor Gotoda emphasised the need for innovative governance and international collaboration. A strong advocate of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, he pointed to the success of Kamiyama Marugoto College, where nearly 90 per cent of students come from outside the prefecture. 'This institution is a symbol of our commitment to cultivating future-ready talent,' he said. Governor Gotoda is also championing the acceptance of foreign workers to address labour shortages. Last year, Tokushima recorded Japan's highest increase in both the rate and amount of the minimum wage. He believes this competitive wage growth will help attract high-level professionals and visitors from India. 'We are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive,' he said. Tokushima is not only progressive in policy but also rich in tradition and natural beauty. The prefecture is home to Awa Odori, Japan's iconic dance festival, as well as sacred pilgrimage routes and lush landscapes. Governor Gotoda's office reflects his pride in local culture, adorned with Tokushima's speciality products. 'Promoting our cultural assets through global partnerships is a vital part of our strategy,' he added. In his concluding remarks, Governor Gotoda expressed hope that India and Tokushima will forge even stronger ties in the coming years--anchored in shared values of innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity. (ANI)
The Mainichi
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
News in Easy English: Big traditional 'Awa Odori' dance event held at Osaka Expo
On May 2 and 3, there was a big traditional dance event at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Around 700 dancers performed the "Awa Odori" dance. About 10,000 people joined in for one big circle dance at the end. The Tokushima Prefecture government organized this event. They did this to celebrate "World Dance Day." The dancers were in nine groups. Each group showed their dance to the visitors. They danced beautifully with drums, Japanese flutes, and other instruments making special music called "Zomeki-bayashi." On the night of May 3, all dancers came together for the final dance at a place in the Expo called Expo Arena "Matsuri." This arena is outside, and 16,000 people can watch there. The dancers made a very big circle together with people from the audience. The circle looked like the Expo's well-known building, the "Grand Ring." About 10,000 people joined in this circle. Minoru Yamada, 71, from the Awa Odori Promotion Association, was one of the dancers. He also danced at another Expo in Osaka in 1970. He said, "Dance does not need words. It was great to see the circle become bigger and everyone dance together." (Japanese original by Yoshihiro Yamamoto, Tokushima Bureau) Vocabulary Expo: A big event where many countries show culture or technology. traditional: Old or special things from a country's culture. audience: People who watch a show or performance. instruments: Things we use to make music, like drums or flutes. circle: A round shape where people stand together.
The Mainichi
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
10,000 participants join biggest ever Awa Odori circle dance at World Expo in Osaka
OSAKA -- Some 700 dancers descended on Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on May 2 and 3 for a traditional Awa Odori dance event hosted by western Japan's Tokushima Prefecture, with a huge circle dance on the final day drawing in some 10,000 participants. The Tokushima Prefectural Government, which is taking part in the Expo as a member of the Union of Kansai Governments, staged the event under the "World Dance Day" theme. The dancers, divided into nine groups, showcased their Awa Odori performances on stage in turns. Visitors were captivated by their dynamic and graceful moves synchronized to "Zomeki-bayashi" music played with Japanese flutes, drums and other instruments. During the finale on the night of May 3, all the dancers gathered at the Expo Arena "Matsuri," an outdoor venue which holds 16,000 people, to attempt the largest circle dance in history. As they expanded the circle by involving the audience, it ultimately formed a single large ring, symbolizing the Expo's iconic wooden structure, the "Grand Ring." According to the Tokushima Prefectural Government, the number of participants in the dance eventually grew to 10,000. Minoru Yamada, 71, from the Awa Odori Promotion Association, who also performed at the World Expo in Osaka back in 1970, reflected, "Dance needs no words. Watching it expand and become one big circle was amazing." (Japanese original by Yoshihiro Yamamoto, Tokushima Bureau)
