Uraja

Dancing with Demons: Okayama’s Energetic Summer Festival

2025/08/22 - 2025/08/23

Every August, the heart of Okayama City bursts into color, rhythm, and excitement for the Uraja Festival. Inspired by the legendary ogre “Ura,” the city comes alive for two days of dance, music, and smiles. Whether you’re a dance lover, a family looking for summer memories, or a traveler seeking a festival where tradition meets creative freedom, Uraja is an experience that awakens all five senses and lets your spirit run free.

The festival takes place around Okayama Station and throughout the downtown area. Parades, stage performances, and food stalls fill the streets, while the beat of taiko drums, children’s laughter, and the aroma of festival foods drifting on the night breeze create a magical summer atmosphere.

Main Attractions

Uraja Dance Parade and Oni Face Paint

The heart of Uraja is the vibrant dance parade, where teams of dancers show off their individuality with colorful “oni” (demon) face paint in red, blue, green, and more, along with creative costumes. Each group performs their own version of the Uraja dance, blending traditional moves with modern flair. More than 10,000 dancers parade down the main street, and the crowd joins in with clapping and cheers, blurring the line between performers and audience.

Don’t miss the “Uraja Grand Parade” and the nighttime “Uraja Night,” where over 100 dance teams compete in creative performances. The finale is a massive communal dance where everyone, including spectators, is invited to join in.

Unique Costumes and Oni Decorations

Uraja’s costumes are all about freedom and creativity. From yukata and happi coats to wild costumes inspired by ogres, legends, and pop culture, anything goes. The signature is the colorful oni face paint-each dancer’s design is unique, with bold lines and expressive eyes. Many teams also create their own costumes and props, making the parade a visual feast.

Cultural and Historical Background

The roots of Uraja lie in the Okayama legend of the ogre Ura, who was defeated by Momotaro. The festival reimagines the ogre as a symbol of transformation and creativity, turning a story of conquest into one of positive energy. Uraja began in 1994, aiming to revitalize Okayama’s city center and foster community spirit through dance and celebration.

True to its motto, “Odoreba mina tomo” (“If you dance, everyone’s a friend”), Uraja is an open festival where anyone can join in, regardless of age or background. Now, more than 500,000 people participate or attend every year, making it one of western Japan’s largest and most inclusive festivals.

Participant Voices

“The first time I joined a local dance team and put on oni makeup, I was amazed at the sense of unity-the whole city felt like one big family. Everyone was smiling and dancing, and I fell in love with Okayama’s summer!”

Festival Dates

Uraja is held every year on the first weekend of August in downtown Okayama City. For the latest information, check the official website or local tourist resources.

The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.