Send the International Yosakoi Team to Kochi 2019

Fundraising campaign by Kochi 2019
  • US$1,704.00
    raised of $5,000.00 goal goal
34% Funded
16 Donors

No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities

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YOSAKOI

~ From Kochi to the world, from the world to Kochi ~

Help the 2019 Yosakoi International Team achieve their dream of joining the Kochi Yosakoi Festival, in the birthplace of the Yosakoi Dance, as a truly global team!

What is the 2019 Yosakoi International Team?

The 2019 Yosakoi International Team is a global project to share Japan's unique Yosakoi dance with teams across the world. Through the project, dancers from different cultures, different languages and different backgrounds, but all with a single shared passion, will become one team, and join together to dance in the Yosakoi Matsuri (festival) in the birthplace of Yosakoi: Kochi, Japan.

To support our Japanese crowdfunding campaign, please check out this link.
日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい

(Don’t know much about Yosakoi? Don’t worry! There’s a short explanation about the dance style at the end of this post, so stay with us! Follow our updates too, to see more about the project as it develops)

What is your team's mission?

Already, we have over 100 interested dancers, support staff, and event managers emotionally invested in bringing our dream to life. We’re already working in trans-national project teams spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas and more.

So, what exactly are we doing?

To be eligible to perform in the Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri, every team, including ours, needs:
- a new song
- unique choreography
- exciting, attractive costumes that reflect the team spirit
- ‘naruko’ instruments for each dancer
- a ‘jikatasha’ music truck
- a dedicated, well-stocked support team

This is what we’re building, the backbone of a real Yosakoi team.

It takes countless hours, significant expense and painstaking effort to compose the music, design the costumes, thresh out the choreography and construct the jikatasha music truck. The largest expense by far is the jikatasha, which will cost over ten thousand dollars, and the crowdfunding will go towards securing this first and foremost.

This isn’t everything! Just the largest items. Securing all of these essentials is already winning half the battle. After we have met these, our dancers can practice the dance to give our full effort, safe in the knowledge that we have everything we need.

After we have performed in Kochi our memories and the dance will be ours to cherish and share with people in our home countries. We will continue to share our dance as a gift from Kochi, breaking down barriers and building understanding between different cultures.

But right now, to get us to the festival, we’re working across different timezones, late into the night, in our spare time. Because our hearts are set on this goal we’re already contributing our own time and funds to do what we can, but we need your help to give us that vital extra support.

Why do you need donations?

The costs are shared between the team, so the more people who can join, the more affordable it becomes for all of us. Unfortunately, this also means that if we have only a few members who can join, they’ll shoulder extremely high costs on their own. Also, unlike Japanese teams, it’s harder for us to secure ongoing sponsorship as an international team to meet all these costs.

Finally, not all of our members are from wealthy countries, or wealthy circumstances. Many international members save up all year to travel to Kochi for just the five days of the festival.

Because of this, your donations will not only help us build the essential backbone of the team, but also help lower the barrier these members to join, allowing people to experience true Kochi and Japanese culture who otherwise would never have the chance.

Clarification (Nov 12, 2018): Whether our group is able to participate in the event, the funds will be used for the international team's preparation, and as such we are unfortunately unable to return any donations once received.

Most Recent Campaign Update

Check our latest Campaign Update on our blog: #27 - A Message from A Yosakoi Meister: Story of 2018. Emiko Tanaka, who is a Yosakoi Meister and is also the leader of our group, wrote an article for a web magazine Yosari about her journey and her experience leading an international team in 2018. Check it out!

What can I get for supporting the team?

We’re grateful for any and all donations you can provide! To show our thanks, we’ve prepared gifts for all donators, on behalf of the whole dance and project team,

If you’re not comfortable with sharing your email address or postal address, you’re welcome to opt out of receiving a gift, too.


How can I follow you on your journey?

We will update this page regularly with personal stories, news and information about Yosakoi, so you can live every moment with us! If you’re interested, we’d love it if you followed us on social media, too!

Emiko Tanaka, Yosakoi Ambassador, was the driving force behind the Sakuramai Poland 2018 International team, she’s leading the charge again for the 2019 project, and you can follow her below:
Of course, what would an international dance team be without its dancers? Here’s are the teams who are working together to bring this project to life. There are so many teams involved, probably one in your country too please follow us, send us a message, and show your support! We've linked to each team's Facebook page.
What is Yosakoi?

Hello! So you’re here to learn more about yosakoi? Great! Please research more if you’re interested, but here’s a quick intro just to get you up to speed:

Yosakoi is a contemporary dance that can blend anything from traditional Japanese dance and hip hop, to ballet and modern jazz, but its roots trace back much further. Yosakoi has similarities to the awa odori from nearby Tokushima Prefecture and bon odori of the Obon observance.

Like awa odori, it is danced in the sweltering peak of summer requiring dancers to have stamina, strength and grace. Because of its splendid costumes, throbbing music, and exhilarating atmosphere, Kochi’s Yosakoi Matsuri has been compared to Carnaval in Rio de Janiero.

What makes Yosakoi slightly different from other comparable dances is its freeform style. Only two rules define yosakoi:

1) Dancers must move forward holding naruko clappers (a mix between a paddle and a castanet)*
2) The song must use an excerpt from the ‘Yosakoi Bushi’ song

Naruko clappers

This light structure gives yosakoi its form, and also its great freedom for creative expression. Teams performing in the Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri used to have hundreds of people, but were capped at 150 in the late 20th century.

* yosakoi can also be performed on a stage. Other props are permitted and often include hand-held lanterns, fans, and umbrellas

Yosakoi is now popular across the whole of Japan, with countless festivals and teams. Needless to say, it’s also winning fans abroad, supported by student exchange, expat communities, and yosakoi ambassador programs.

Where is Kochi?

Kochi City (高知市, Kōchi) is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, nestled in the long curve of Tosa Bay. Because it faces the Pacific Ocean, Kochi boasts large open beaches for surfing and swimming, rich seafood and whale-watching opportunities.

Apart from Yosakoi, Kochi is famous for yuzu, an exquisitely sweet and sour citrus fruit; katsuo tataki, lightly seared skipjack tuna; and Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent Japanese historical figure who fought against the feudal Tokugawa Shogunate.

Kochi is a beautiful city and the perfect place to dance Yosakoi!

Free counters!

Rewards

Digital thank-you card: We'll send you a thank-you card via email!

0 Backers

Video thank-you message: We'll send you a thank-you message in a video! This includes the digital card from the previous tier.

0 Backers

Physical thank-you card: We'll send you a card to your mailing address! [This requires you to tell us your postal address at checkout.] This includes the video message, digital card from the previous tiers.

1 Backers

DVD: We'll send you a DVD recording our experience in Kochi, by mail, email, or both depending on what you provide us! [This requires you to tell us your postal address at checkout.] This includes the video message, physical and digital card from the previous tiers.

4 Backers

Your company name on the T-shirt that our support staff will wear Kochi. Our support staff follows us everywhere! IMPORTANT: Please contact us to ensure the availability of this option before committing.

0 Backers

Your company name on the jikatasha, the music truck that carries our music equipment and lead our parade (example: https://imgur.com/WzetulS). IMPORTANT: Please contact us to ensure the availability of this option before committing.

0 Backers

Your company name in our team name. For example: International Yosakoi Team by McEnterprise. Our team name will be featured in our social media, YouTube, communications as well as in public brochures in Kochi from January through end of September 2019. IMPORTANT: Please contact us to ensure the availability of this option before committing.

0 Backers

Fundraising Team

  • Kochi 2019
  •  
  • Funds Manager
  • Kasia Ploszaj
  •  
  • Campaign Expert

Sharing yosakoi to the world

Sharing yosakoi to the world

Donors

  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Feb 05, 2019
Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Jan 18, 2019
  • 遅くなりましたが、高知に行けますよう、心より祈っております。

Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Dec 31, 2018
Amount Hidden
Feb 21

#27 - A Message from A Yosakoi Meister: Story of 2018

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 05:25 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! Emiko Tanaka is one of the world's certified Yosakoi Meisters (one who spreads yosakoi to countries where there are not yet any yosakoi teams -- she has started more than five groups so far!) and is our group's. . . . .

See update
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Feb 08

#26 - Look Out, World, Because Here Comes Kizuna International Team!

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 04:38 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! Logo designed by Keiji Matsumoto I was able to interview Yosakoi Ambassador Emiko Tanaka regarding the meaning behind our team's name and theme. Here are her responses below: In 2018, our theme was ‘KIZUNA’ (bonds). It dramatically expressed. . . . .

See update
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Jan 31

#25 - Seiran [MATOI] - Singapore to the fore!

Update posted by Kochi 2019 at 09:28 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! Yosakoi is enjoyed across the globe and Singapore is no exception! With its wonderful background as a cultural meeting point in the heart of South East Asia, it’s only fitting that Singapore boasts a Yosakoi team, too. Without. . . . .

See update
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Jan 25

#24 - Tabi or not tabi, that is the question

Update posted by Kochi 2019 at 10:59 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation!Hello all! In our mission to spread love and appreciation of Yosakoi around the world, we’ve prepared introductions to a few of the key items and concepts.If you’ve missed those in our Yosakoi 101 series, then you can catch. . . . .

See update
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Jan 13

#23 - Kochi Is Right This Way Part 2

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 06:32 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい Hello again, and welcome to "Kochi Is Right This Way" Part 2! Here we talk about more iconic things in Kochi and this time it'll delight your soul and your tastebuds! Credits: Kasia (shamelessly edited by Daniel). . . . .

See update
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Jan 09

#22 - Kochi Is Right This Way Part 1

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 05:58 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい We've learned a lot about yosakoi. Here's an opportunity to learn some iconic things about Kochi city and Kochi prefecture! Credits: Kasia Harimaya-bashi The bridge of Harimaya appeared in the Yosakoi-bushi (read more about the yosakoi-bushi here!).. . . . .

See update
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Jan 06

#21 - Roar! Todoroki Stuttgart

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 05:54 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい Todoroki Stuttgart (轟シュトットガルト) was founded in December 2014 by Miyuki Kitano and friends. They attended a yosakoi workshop that did the 'Nanchuu Soran Bushi' dance held by Emiko Tanaka in Germany. Then they decided to start their. . . . .

See update
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Jan 03

#20 - A New Year and One Thing We Hold Dear

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 06:59 am

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい Happy New Year 2019! Gone is 2018. Here comes a new year, a new 360 or so days of surprises, opportunities, and adventure. Let's give it all to our new year's resolutions! Another important to keep fresh. . . . .

See update
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Dec 29

#19 - From Koshigaya to Pikes Peak: A Ring of Beautiful Sakura Flowers

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 10:34 pm

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい Pikes Peak Yosakoi Ōbirin (パイクスピークよさこい桜美輪) was founded by Laura Powell in January 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Laura lived in Saitama, Japan for many years and during her last three years of stay, she was part. . . . .

See update
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Dec 25

#18 - Let It Be Known: We've Reached a Milestone!

Update posted by Daniel Rolandi at 07:32 pm

Click here to return to our campaign overview and make a donation! 日本語でのご支援・ご協力はこちらのページをご覧下さい The campaign team would like to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. We hope you stay warm or air-conditioned wherever you are! Can you find all the naruko? (Photo credits: Natalia Kujawska of. . . . .

See update
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Donors & Comments

16 donors
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Feb 05, 2019
Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Jan 18, 2019
  • 遅くなりましたが、高知に行けますよう、心より祈っております。

Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Dec 31, 2018
Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Dec 31, 2018
  • We had a Japanese language seminar for $5/person, and were able to raise $50 to be donated to the English campaign! Thank you everyone!

Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Dec 23, 2018
Amount Hidden
  • Anna-marie Pico
  • Donated on Dec 16, 2018
  • We love Yosakoi, I love dancing with my friends and family. I hope to see the team go to Kochi!

$100.00
  • Yuka Saito
  • Donated on Dec 10, 2018
$72.00
$50.00
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Dec 03, 2018
$250.00
  • Emiko Tanaka
  • Donated on Nov 29, 2018
  • For GIVING TUESDAY, I did't buy any coffee and sweet on Tuesday! Let's go to Kochi to perform together. We can do it!

$10.00
Show more donors

Followers

8 followers
sonomi consul
Laura Powell
Anna-marie Pico
Isaac Chui
Kana Hayashi
Barbara Johnson
Daniel Rolandi
Emiko Tanaka
US$1,704.00
raised of $5,000.00 goal
34% Funded
16 Donors

No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities