International Team
KIZUNA international team
絆国際チーム
Representative Emiko Tanaka
"Kizuna International Team" is an international team of dancers who love Yosakoi from all over the world! Under the guidance of Emiko Tanaka, a “Yosakoi Ambassador” appointed by the Governor of Kochi Prefecture, we are working to promote Yosakoi and international exchange around the world. "Friends who love Yosakoi" are gathered from all over the world, centered on the Yosakoi Ambassadors (teams and individuals appointed in Kochi Prefecture to spread the goodness of the world)of each country. We also participate in festivals and events all over Japan and around the world, centered on the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi.
We are also engaged in activities to spread "Kochi, the birthplace of Yosakoi" to the world. In addition, we are actively incorporating Kochi's culture, fluff, into some of our costumes and interacting with Ino Town, Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture, where we are holding training camps.
The music is produced by the band "Furachinarhythm", which is related to Kochi. The lead car that plays music during the Yosakoi Festival is made by a carpenter in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, using the old-fashioned technique of "connecting pillars without using any nails to assemble."
Since its establishment in 2018, the participating countries have spread to 21 countries and regions around the world, working with 100 dancers mainly from North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
By dancing Yosakoi together, we build "bonds" that transcend differences in language and culture, bring back experiences in Japan to each country, and spread the goodness of Yosakoi, Kochi, and Japan to the world.
International Yosakoi Exchange Team
国際よさこい交流隊
team leader chieko Yamanaka
In 2002, due to financial difficulties, it was decided to dissolve the Yosakoi team, the Kochi Club (a club for foreigners living in Kochi Prefecture sponsored by Kochi Prefecture). At that time, I heard from three foreign students saying, "I want a Yosakoi team that can dance when we come back to Kochi." Then I decided to become a leader and re-form a team where foreigners can freely participate and dance happily. That is the "Yosakoi International Exchange Corps".
The only income is the dancer's entry fee.Therefore, in order to reduce costs, costume design, dance choreography, happi coat sewing, lead car sound and makeup are 100% handmade. The problem was securing staff. Fortunately, about half of the staff of the "Kochi Club" Yosakoi team joined the new team, saying "Let's do it together."
The Yosakoi International Exchange Team is not a team aiming for a prize, but a team that everyone enjoys the festival. As a team created by everyone, we value teamwork and good relationships. Dancers, photographers, water supply staff, and costume staff are all equal. Our team doesn't have the word "behind the scenes". Although it is a team mainly composed of foreigners, it is a team that anyone can participate in, including children and people with disabilities. Staff can naturally take care of children with autism, Down's syndrome, and hearing loss. Therefore, from the time of practice, we are creating an inclusive environment while experiencing international exchange and cross-cultural exchange.
In the Yosakoi International Exchange Corps, everyone is the main character and everyone is the supporter. And they smile back to each other. I have been a leader for about 20 years, but I am also training successors. But everyone often says, "Even if you get stuck, get in a wheelchair and lead the team from the top of the lead car." When will my retirement be?