Performances
2018 “絆-KIZUNA-”
Lyrics : Naofumi Mori
Composition : Aruto Matsumoto
Editing : Furachinarhythm
Performance : Furachinarhythm
Vocals : Naofumi Mori, Megumi Yanagi
Chorus : Keita Sasagaki
Dialogue : Santa Evita
Choreography : Sakuramai Poland International Team
Our theme was “絆-KIZUNA-” (“bonds” in English).
‘Sakuramai Poland International Team’ was established so that ‘Yosakoi Ambassador Sakuramai Poland’ team could, together with dancers from overseas, participate in the official Yosakoi Festival.
（This name was changed to ‘Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team’ in 2019, which remains active today. ）
For the theme of ‘Unison of Poland and Japan, the team’s song included both Yosakoi bushi and Chopin melodies, lyrics in Polish, and the costume incorporated Japanese kimono style while also using traditional Polish design and handmade head accessories by dancers.
We treasure something in order for dancers worldwide to connect through Yosakoi – which is “絆-KIZUNA-”.
2019 “WA!”
Lyrics : Naofumi Mori
Composition : Aruto Matsumoto
Editing : Furachinarhythm
Performance : Furachinarhythm
Vocals : Naofumi Mori, Megumi Yanagi
Chorus : Keita Sasagaki
Naruko Choreography :
Naruko : Takako Segawa
Flag : Kiichi Yokota
Our theme was “WA!”.
Through traditional Japanese culture, “WA”, which connects people worldwide and creates a large circle (translated as “WA” in Japanese) that overcomes linguistic and cultural differences, we can uncover a dance which surprises, or wows – “WA” people.
The WA! ‘kakegoe’ (voicing), which repeats through the dance, along with the move of smiling while making a circle above the head is a simple pose that defies nationality and language. Having the audience dance together with us, we can unite the world into a ‘WA!’
2020 “GO!”
Our theme was “GO!” (which also means ”five” in English)
Like the 5 Olympic rings, which symbolize the 5 continents of the world linking together, we are working to create deep bonds between people from across the world through Yosakoi.
In the same way that Olympic athletes will come to Japan and bring their efforts, their joy, and their inspiration, dancers who love Yosakoi will come to Japan from all over the world, and dance with a spirit full of support for those working hard from all over the world.
※The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were planned to be held in 2020. KIZUNA International Team had prepared a dance performance for “GO!” to express our admiration for the Olympics through Yosakoi, but due to the spread of Covid-19, Yosakoi festivals throughout Japan were canceled, and we were unable to perform “GO!” in 2020. However, we are continuing team practices so that we are able to debut “GO!” in 2021!
Although we couldn’t deliver a 2020 performance, with the main assistance of our music band Furachinarhythm we were able to create the music video for “GO!” with Yosakoi lovers around the world! Please take a look! （Furachinarhythm’s Official Youtube Channel）
Lyrics and Composition : Naofumi Mori
Editing : Furachinarhythm
Performance : Furachinarhythm
Vocals : Naofumi Mori, Megumi Yanagi
Chorus : Keita Sasagaki, Nana Nanami, REE REE (Vitamin Kiss), Chias Otake (Chirol)、Kaori Horie
Choreography : Chika Nakagawa