OSAKA, JAPAN – July 26, 2025 – History was made at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka on Saturday, as thousands of participants united to set a brand new Guinness World Record for the largest Bon dance. The vibrant event saw an unprecedented number of dancers move in unison, creating a spectacular display of Japanese cultural heritage and global camaraderie.
Amidst the innovative pavilions and diverse exhibits of the Expo site, participants, both Japanese and international visitors, donned traditional yukata and happi coats to join the massive circular dance. The Bon dance, a traditional Japanese folk dance typically performed during the Obon festival to honor the spirits of ancestors, transformed the Expo grounds into a lively celebration of community and tradition.
While the exact number of participants breaking the previous record is yet to be officially released by Guinness World Records, eyewitnesses described a sea of synchronized movement, extending far beyond previous attempts. The energy was palpable, with music and rhythmic clapping filling the air, embodying the Expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
Organizers expressed immense satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting the event as a perfect blend of cultural immersion and global participation. The record-breaking Bon dance not only provided a memorable experience for attendees but also showcased Japan’s rich cultural tapestry on an international stage, reinforcing the Expo’s mission to connect the world through shared experiences.
