Morioka Sansa Odori 2026

Today is August 1st. In Morioka City, the heart of Iwate Prefecture, it is just a few minutes before 6 p.m. Although the sun will begin to set in about 30 more minutes, the heat shows no sign of easing, making it impossible to part with a cold drink. Spectators waiting along Chūō-dōri pace restlessly, while people still at work lean out from office windows overlooking the street. TV crews stand by atop their crane cameras, preparing to capture the perfect moment when it all begins.

At last, accompanied by a deep rumbling of drums, the moment arrives. The drumming grows louder and louder. Hundreds—no, thousands—of drummers and thousands of dancers now open the curtain on the four-day festival of Morioka Sansa Odori (August 1st–4th).