This dance originated in Japan .. & There are only two rules for performers in the Yosakoi Soran Festival. 1. dancers must hold a wooden clapper which was traditionally used to keep birds out of the crops and fields. 2. the selected music for the performance must incorporate the traditional Hokkaido fishing folksong, 'Soran.' . every team designs their own colorful costumes and choreographs their own distinctive and unique energetic dance set to lively music. that's all :)