OPEN CALLS
Awa Odori Program
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry：until 2025.3.31 (beginners),2025.06.30 (intermediate and above)
In preparation for the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival opening ceremony on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, we are holding open calls for participants for the Awa Odori (Awa Dance) performance. This is a wonderful opportunity to create a unique Awa Odori performance together, capturing the essence of those who perceive the world visually. Both beginners and experienced dancers are welcome to apply! We look forward to your participation.
Guidelines
Performance Date: Thursday, November 6th, 2025 (Evening)
Number of Performances: One
Eligibility: Open to applicants living in Japan
Scheduled Venue: Suginami City Venue
Number of Performances: One
Eligibility: Open to applicants living in Japan
Scheduled Venue: Suginami City Venue
Entry Requirements
Individuals who meet any of the conditions below:
(1) Deaf/Hard of Hearing individual with experience
(2) Deaf/Hard of Hearing individual with no experience
(3) Hearing individual who can communicate in Japanese Sign Language, with experience
(4) Hearing individual who can communicate in Japanese Sign Language, with no experience
※Registration for those with experience and who are unfamiliar with sign language will commence in summer.
Please contact us for more information.
(5)Common Conditions
(1) Deaf/Hard of Hearing individual with experience
(2) Deaf/Hard of Hearing individual with no experience
(3) Hearing individual who can communicate in Japanese Sign Language, with experience
(4) Hearing individual who can communicate in Japanese Sign Language, with no experience
※Registration for those with experience and who are unfamiliar with sign language will commence in summer.
Please contact us for more information.
(5)Common Conditions
- Able to communicate in Japanese Sign Language and Japanese.
- Experienced participants need to be able to attend rehearsals starting from September 2025.
- Inexperienced participants need to be able to attend rehearsals from April to October 2025. Rehearsals are expected to be held once a week.
※Rehearsals will only occur once a month in July and August during Awa Odori season. (The location is planned to be in Tokyo. We will consider where the participants live when choosing the location.) - Able to cover own costs for transport, costumes used during the performances, etc. during the duration of the rehearsals.
- For junior high students and under, a parent/caregiver must be available to provide transportation. (Some rehearsals may be held in the evening. Depending on the time, we may ask for the parent/caregiver to provide transport.)
Selection Criteria
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The diversity of participants will be taken into consideration when selecting participants.
Participants will be selected by lottery and notified if the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number of spots.
Support
- No fees are required for rehearsals and participation.
- Participants will be able to learn Awa Odori from experienced Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Hearing signers.
Application Process
- Entry Period: Monday, January 27th – Monday, March 31st, 2025 [Only applications sent using the official entry form will be accepted]
- Notification of Selection Results: All applicants will be contacted via email by the beginning of April, 2025.
※Applications for intermediate and above will be open until Monday, June 30th, 2025.
Other Information
- During rehearsals and performances, Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival staff may be in the audience and request permission to take photos for documentation purposes.
- For any questions regarding the Awa Odori Program, please contact us by clicking the button below.
- We would like organizers/groups to cooperate with media coverage as much as possible.
