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| Yosakoi blends traditional-style movements with modern music, creating a dynamic and energetic performance style |
Practice and experience
Founded on December 14, 2012, Mirai Yosakoi serves as a ground for students passionate about Japanese culture to gather, practice and share this unique art form with the community. According to Ms. Hoang Thi Lan Nhi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Japanese Language & Culture, the club was initially guided by a Japanese volunteer teacher in practicing and learning about yosakoi dance.
Yosakoi is a famous Japanese dance that originated in Kochi Prefecture in the 1950s. The dance combines traditional movements with modern music, resulting in a lively and high-energy performance style. One of its most distinctive features is the Naruko, small wooden hand clappers that make cheerful clicking sound when shaken to the beat. Strong movements, synchronized formations, and the sound of Naruko create the essence of yosakoi.
In its early days, Mirai Yosakoi mainly performed at internal events of the University of Foreign Languages, as a playground for students who love Japanese culture. Over time, Mirai began receiving invitations to participate in external events, ranging from cultural exchange programs and Japanese festivals to community activities.
Currently, Mirai Yosakoi Club has nearly 20 members, led by Duong Hoang Ha Nhi, a final-year student of the Faculty of Japanese Language & Culture. According to Nhi, a yosakoi performance typically lasts over five minutes. Depending on the stage size, Mirai usually performs with 7 to 12 members, with synchronized movements and formations to create a striking visual effect. To learn a new dance, the club must seek the permission from Japanese Yosakoi teams to use their music and choreography. While some Yosakoi teams in Vietnam compose their own music, this remains a challenge for a student club like Mirai. For every new piece, members have to practice continuously for about a month, almost every day. “It is a whole process of mastering every movement, every formation, and the signature chants of Yosakoi,” shared Ha Nhi.
Costumes are also an important part of the performances, featuring happi or haori coats paired with hakama pants, obi belts, and accessories such as fans or umbrellas. However, as students, Mirai has limited funds to invest in costumes. “Fortunately, the lecturers in our faculty have a great affection for Mirai, and have helped the club a lot,” shared Nhi.
More than just a dance club
Phan Lac An Nhien, a former member, recalled that she initially joined the club simply because a friend recommended it. “At first, I did not even know what Yosakoi was. The practice was quite tiring, and there were moments I felt discouraged, but performing was always exciting. Through the club, I made many new friends, and even had opportunities to meet Japanese friends at events,” shared Nhien. Even after graduating, she continues to return to the club to support new members.
As students, balancing academics with club activities is not always easy. Ha Nhi recalled that last December was especially busy, as she had to finish her essays while preparing the club for three events, each requiring a different performance. “Some practice sessions lasted three to four hours. It was exhausting, but I felt so happy because, in the end, everything turned out well,” said Nhi.
For the members of Mirai, yosakoi is more than just a dance, it is a way to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. According to Ms. Hoang Thi Lan Nhi, participating in the club helps students appreciate collective spirit, the harmony between tradition and modernity, and the discipline - core values of Japanese culture. For Ha Nhi, her years with Mirai was also the most memorable time of her youth, as “every memory with Mirai was a happy one.”
From these passions and memories, the rhythm of yosakoi continues to be passed down through generations of the foreign language students. Mirai’s dance steps are not only an expression of youthful joy, but also a way to bring Japanese culture closer to the community.