An energetic midsummer dance festival called Awa Odori has begun in Tokushima City, western Japan. The festival, traditionally held at the hottest time of the year, is known for its participants' dynamic dancing and enthusiastic playing of the shamisen, the traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, and Japanese flutes. No Comment | euronews: watch the international news without commentary | http://www.euronews.net/nocomment/