Asakusa Samba Carnival

The Asakusa Samba Carnival, which started in 1981, emerged as an initiative to revitalize the Japanese district and boost the local economy, while embracing multiculturalism and strengthening the ties between Brazil and Japan.

In its first year, Brazilian samba groups were invited to Japan, and although initially, the celebration was a timid attempt to replicate the vibrant Brazilian carnival, it managed to survive and evolve over time.

Today, this carnival has transformed into a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Held in the traditional Asakusa district, it perfectly combines Tokyo’s love for culture, music, and dance, becoming a festival that grows and improves every year, solidifying itself as a symbol of the connection between two vibrant cultures.

Brazil and Japan

Although at first glance Japan and Brazil may seem to have little in common, surprisingly, around 300,000 Japanese reside only in São Paulo, and nearly another two million in the rest of Brazil.

This cultural connection has made the carnival inevitably reach Japan, giving rise to the Samba Carnival, which adopts the Brazilian concept of carnival, inspired by the celebrations of the famous Rio Carnival, where samba is the star.

The vibrant costumes, infectious music, feathers, and samba dances intertwine with Japanese influences, creating a unique fusion. It is fascinating to observe how the carnival continues to grow and evolve, incorporating the culture and charm of Japan, revitalizing this celebration.

The Naked Party!

The matsuri hadaka, which translates to “naked party“, refers to the tiny costumes worn at the Asakusa Carnival

What really surprises those who are not from Japan is to see men and women dancing samba, adorned in those bright and colorful carnival costumes one would expect to find in Rio, while enjoying Brazilian music.

And the most shocking thing is that, under all that makeup and glitter, they are Japanese.

Japanese Samba Schools

In Tokyo, the vibrant carnival culture comes to life with the competition of two leagues and twenty-six carnival groups and samba schools, fighting for the title of best dance, music, and float of the year. Although their sambadrome stretches only through six small streets, it is the epicenter of this celebration.

With approximately 4,500 dancers, mostly Japanese, competing in the exciting samba events, Tokyo demonstrates that dedication and talent know no boundaries.

The Japanese are recognized for their ability to perfect any product, and although this carnival may not be an improved version of the famous Rio carnival, the seriousness with which they prepare is undeniable. In fact, some choreographers from Brazil are hired to travel to Japan and teach them the dances until they achieve perfection.