May 26, 2014 - 1 min read

Aoba Festival Suzume Odori

The Sparrow Dance of Sendai livens up the streets

By Justin Velgus

Community writer

Make sure to bring a camera for this event.

This group tries a side street to navigate through the crowds.

You can't dance without music. Musicians bring the beat to the street.

The stage across from Kotodaikoen hosts the annual Sparrow Dance competition.

Several pauses in the routine are great for photo opportunities.

Flanked by hanging lanterns and cheering crowds, these blue uniform dancers bring the energy to Jozenji Avenue.

Dancing is done in front of this special gate used as a centerpiece for the festival.

The hopping part of the dance delights onlookers.

Although Suzume Odori is a mostly set dance, various moments call for individual expression.

Each May, Sendai celebrates its own festival: the Aoba Matsuri.

One major draw of the festival is Suzume Odori, or the Sparrow Dance. The dance itself has been passed down for centuries. It is arguably more popular than ever with classes, clubs, online videos, and even smartphone apps available to satisfy both amateur and professional. The dance was created in the early 1600s by stone masons of the once standing Aoba Castle as a form of entertainment. The popular fan and jumping dance can often be seen at festivals throughout the year but is best enjoyed at the Aoba Festival. At this time you can see some of the 2000 entertainers almost anywhere you look.

Check out stages and dedicated areas around downtown, view the stage competition across from Kotodaikoen (Kotodai Park), or best of all, stand along the parade route to see endless numbers of performers file past.