In a spectacular blend of tradition and global unity, the city of Osaka has set two Guinness World Records with a massive Bon Dance. The event, held on July 26 as part of “Osaka Week” at the World Expo 2025 site, brought together thousands of participants to celebrate one of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions.
The first record, for the largest Bon Dance (non-costumed), was broken with 3,946 participants. The previous record, set in 2017 in Yao City, Osaka, was surpassed by more than 1,000 people. Dancers, who were not required to wear traditional yukata, performed a choreographed routine for more than five minutes to qualify for the record.
The second record was even more remarkable. The event was also certified for the most nationalities performing Bon Dance simultaneously, with participants from a stunning 62 countries taking part. This multicultural display highlighted the Expo’s theme of global connection and celebrated the Bon Dance as a universal expression of joy and community.
Organized on the Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden structure, the dance was performed to the Expo’s official theme song, “Continuation of this Earth,” by the musical duo Kobukuro. The event was a culmination of weeks of online practice sessions, allowing people from all over the world to learn the choreography.
“The practice paid off,” said an official adjudicator, confirming that all 3,946 participants met the criteria. The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and a memorable way to showcase Osaka to the world, proving that a single dance can bring people from all corners of the globe together.
