July 18-19, 2026: "Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS" Held in Front of Isesaki Station!

The Isesaki Pop Culture Project (Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture) will hold "Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS" for two days from July 18 (Sat) to July 19 (Sun), 2026.

Isesaki Station Anime Song Bon Odori at Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS

Isesaki Rakuichi Night Market Bon Odori at Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS

"Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS" will be held on July 18 (Sat) - 19 (Sun), 2026 (reserve day: July 20 (Mon, holiday)) at the south exit of Isesaki Station, Gunma Prefecture.

This time, the "Illumination Yagura" (stage tower), which was well-received at the "ISESAKI Machinaka Illumination" held in December 2025 at the south exit of Isesaki Station, will be revived to liven up the two-day Bon Odori event. Our project is involved in the production of this "yagura" and the events on both days.

July 19, 2026 (Sun) Isesaki Station Anime Song Bon Odori

The "Isesaki Station Anime Song Bon Odori" held in December 2025 attracted many visitors not only from within Isesaki City but also from outside the city and prefecture. It also garnered significant attention as a Bon Odori event held in the middle of winter.

For a long time, Bon Odori has primarily been danced to traditional folk songs. However, in recent years, styles of dancing around a yagura to J-POP and Western music have become more common. Meanwhile, the scene of "dancing to anime songs," centered around anime music clubs (anikura), has become established in various club events of all sizes.

"Anime Song Bon Odori" combines these elements. By minimizing the "complex movements and choreography" seen in traditional Bon Odori and preparing many songs that can be danced by imitation, it is enjoyed not only by adults and children who are anime, manga, and game fans but also by people from overseas in recent years.

At this summer's "Anime Song Bon Odori" at Isesaki Station, the team of Nihon Buyo dancer Ukon Takafuji and DJ Sasakichi, who have been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, will once again liven up the yagura stage in front of the station.

Ukon Takafuji and DJ Sasakichi

These two performed an anime song Bon Odori at an event for creators in Kaihin Makuhari, Chiba, in April of this year, captivating attendees for two consecutive years. They also excited international audiences at Anime Festival Asia Thailand 2026 in Thailand in May.

And this time, popular voice actress Mariko Honda will be the MC for the event.

Voice Actress Mariko Honda

Mariko Honda has appeared in TV anime related to Isesaki City and also visits for private trips, showing great affection for Isesaki City. During her previous appearance at the "Anime Song Bon Odori," she thoroughly enjoyed the event and readily agreed to be the MC again this time. She is scheduled to appear on stage along with "Isesaki City's Summer Attire."

With such wonderful guests appearing at the Anime Song Bon Odori, we have decided to include an "Isesaki City PR Time" with the wish to let visitors know more about Isesaki City.

This segment will introduce the legendary local folk song composer of Isesaki City, "Kasei Machida," as well as Isesaki City's traditional craft "Isesaki Meisen," "Isesaki Pro-Wrestling" which carries on the spirit of the villainous pro-wrestler Mr. Pogo from Isesaki City, and "Shimada Kogyo Co., Ltd.," a manufacturing company with a passionate creative drive in Isesaki City. The aim is to generate interest in Isesaki not only among residents but also among people from outside the city and prefecture.

Isesaki Meisen Shop Hanabana-HANABANA- (Honcho, Isesaki City) will introduce Isesaki Meisen.

We aim to create an event where people drawn to the new culture of "Anime Song Bon Odori" can meet and share time with Isesaki City's culture.

The "Isesaki Station Cosplay Fair" will also be held at the north exit of the station!

Isesaki Station Cosplay Fair in Saiko no Ichinichi

On the same day, at "Saiko no Ichinichi," a wedding venue located a 1-minute walk from the north exit of the station, the cosplay share studio event "Isesaki Station Cosplay Fair in Saiko no Ichinichi" will be held. This event will open the rental wedding venue "Saiko no Ichinichi," known for its beautiful, elegant, and gorgeous atmosphere, to cosplayers.

"Saiko no Ichinichi" Photo Spot

As this is a project adopted for the "Isesaki City Machinaka Vitality Regeneration Project Subsidy," it is an event where photo shoots can be done at a very reasonable price. Our project has supported this event from the planning stages.

Event Outline

Isesaki Station Anime Song Bon Odori

Date & Time: July 19, 2026 (Sun) *Reserve day in case of rain: July 20 (Mon, holiday)

Location: Isesaki Station South Exit Plaza

Parking: Available (Temporary parking lot at the north exit of the station)

Time: 16:30 - 21:00

(17:00 - / 18:30 - / 20:00 - BON ODORI time)

For detailed access information, please check the website below.

https://isesaki-bonodori.jp/

Contact Information

E-Mail: [email protected]

X (formerly Twitter): @isesakipop

Instagram: isesakipop

Isesaki Station Cosplay Fair

Date & Time: July 19, 2026 (Sun) *Reserve day in case of rain: July 20 (Mon, holiday)

Location: Vicinity of Isesaki Station / "Saiko no Ichinichi" 29-1 Kita-cho, Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, 372-0056

Parking: Available (500 yen per day, paid)

Time: 15:00 - 21:00 (Changing rooms open at 13:00)

For detailed access information, please check the website below.

https://isesaki-cosplay.jp/

Contact Information

Isesaki Cosplay Fair Preparatory Committee

E-Mail: [email protected]

X (formerly Twitter): @isesakicosplay

July 18, 2026 (Sat) Isesaki Rakuichi Night Market Bon Odori

On the first day of Isesaki Bon Odori 2DAYS, July 18, 2026 (Sat), the "Isesaki Rakuichi Night Market Bon Odori" will be held at the venue of the "Isesaki Rakuichi Night Market," organized by Isesaki City.

This event will feature "Bon Odori for Everyone to Enjoy," suitable for families, as well as performances of traditional arts such as the Isesaki Hospitality Dance "Karariko Bushi," Yagi-bushi, and "Kuwa Tsumi Uta / Aka Wan Bushi." Additionally, the familiar "Okashi Maki" (candy scattering) is scheduled to take place on the yagura stage at the Rakuichi Night Market.

Our project is in charge of all programs held on the yagura stage.

Candy scattering at the Rakuichi Night Market in December 2025

Through this event, we hope to bring the traditions of Isesaki City closer to people and pass them on to future generations.

Isesaki Rakuichi Night Market

Date & Time: July 18, 2026 (Sat)

Location: Isesaki Station South Exit Plaza

Parking: Available (Temporary parking lot at the north exit of the station)

Time: 17:00 - 20:30

Contact Information

Isesaki City Commerce, Labor and Industry Division, Machinaka Revitalization Section

TEL: 0270-27-2755

E-Mail: [email protected]

About the Isesaki Pop Culture Project

This organization is operated by participants of the "Isesaki City Machinaka Regional Cooperation Project," with the goal of "enjoying music/manga/anime/games more in Isesaki City!" Our organization will continue to plan events in Isesaki City with pop culture as a keyword, aiming to revitalize the downtown area of Isesaki City through entertainment.

Contact Information

E-Mail: [email protected]

X (formerly Twitter): @isesakipop

July 2026 Isesaki Pop Culture Project