This was submitted by Richard Watanabe from Arcadia, California, for Discover Nikkei’s Nima-kai Traditions: Matsuri photo activity.

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A form of dance from Tokushima, Japan, “Awa” is the old feudal name for the Tokushima Prefecture. The Awa odori can trace its roots back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The Awa Odori Festival is the largest matsuri in Japan and its influence stretches across the globe. The local Awa Odori group, Awa Odori Tokushima Ren, regularly participates in the Nisei Week parade and is always a group I look forward to watching.