Oendan: when supporting meets with art

Oendan are supporter groups that exist in almost every Japanese shcool. In a similar fashion to cheerleaders, oendan create rhythmic and inventive choreographies, and show their support to their team by yelling vigorously. However, contrary to Amercian cheerleaders, oendan’s performances are almost solemn. Their dances are meticulously executed, and the members often hold fans or flags that they wave in order to give a more ethereal effect to their moves.

Being part of an oendan is like practicing a sport in its own right for this activity tends to be really physical. Oedan clubs are as important as any other sports clubs.

Oendan have their own dress code. Their members usually wear their school uniform consisting of a shirt, a jacket, and pants, but they can sometimes decide to disguise or dress in happi (a long-sleeved traditional Japanese coat) on which they add supporting messages adressing their team. The leaders also put an hachimaki on their forehead, which is a white headband symbolizing determination and courage.

Oendan’s rhythmic performances have made them so famous across the world that they even appear in other fields of pop culture, like in the anime High School!Kimengumi and in the video game Osu! Tatakae! Oendan. 

Last year, the Gamushara group (which is the first oendan not related to any school) even came to give a demonstration at Japan Expo 2017. Being based on the concept "to send the emotions of cheering battles to the whole world", its members succeeded in galvanizing the audience during a dynamic show on the Sakura stage!

You can take a look back at this performance – as well as all the videos of the Sakura stage traditional shows – on JapanExpoTV, our Youtube channel.