Odori

Odori is a Japanese term written with the characters 踊り and pronounced odori. It denotes the act of dancing and is the noun form of the verb odoru, meaning “to dance.” In Japanese, odori is used broadly to refer to dance performances, dance styles, or dances in general. The word appears in many traditional and regional names as well as in references to dance events.

In traditional contexts, odori is found in well-known dance forms. Bon Odori (盆踊り) are communal dances performed during the Obon festival, typically held in neighborhoods with participants moving in simple, repetitive steps to music. Awa Odori (阿波踊り) is a famous regional dance from Tokushima Prefecture, celebrated as part of the Awa Odori Festival and recognized for its distinctive rhythm and lively group performances. Other regional and seasonal dances also incorporate odori in their names, reflecting local customs and histories.

Odori also appears in place names and urban geography. In Japan, the term often connotes a broad thoroughfare or promenade, and several cities use odori in district or park names. Odori Park in Sapporo, for example, uses the word to reflect its location along a major city axis, while Odori Station and related landmarks derive their name from the same concept of a central, open public space.

Overall, odori functions as both a general word for dancing and a set of culturally specific dance traditions, while also serving as a toponymic element in Japanese place names.