Festival-goers in the western Japan prefecture of Tokushima are enjoying a springtime version of the major summer dance event, the Awa Odori.



Tokushima city stages the dance around this time every year. Special seating has been set up at Aibahama Park, one of the venues.



Groups of skilled dancers performed to music played on Japanese flutes and stringed instruments. Spectators clapped their hands to the music.



A local man in his 50s said he enjoyed the performance with his 2-year-old daughter. He said the weather was good and he felt nice, as if summer was getting closer.



A dancer in her 40s said she had fun performing to applause from many people. She said she hopes visitors will enjoy the different styles of dance unique to each group.



The event runs through Sunday.