Participants in the “Senior Disco” event dance to nostalgic music in Osaka’s Miyakojima Ward, June 22, 2025. (Mainichi/Mizuki Hayashi)
OSAKA — Wanting to relive the nightlives of their youth, people are flocking to “Senior Disco” dance events here, which are gaining popularity not only for their health benefits but also for the casual social interactions and high entertainment value they offer.
One recent Sunday, participants, mainly middle-aged and older, gathered at a cafe in Osaka’s Miyakojima Ward, which transforms into a dance floor. The dance events are often held in the daytime, and some attendees come with friends or family, while many also participate alone.
No dance experience is necessary at all. Guided by a professional dancer, participants start with light stretching exercises like bending and extending their arms and clenching and unclenching their hands to warm up.
From left, “Senior Disco” organizers Seiji Hakoda, Sayaka Sasaki and Taishi Jinno are seen in Osaka’s Miyakojima Ward, June 22, 2025. (Mainichi/Mizuki Hayashi)
Social welfare worker takes on role as DJ
The DJ, Seiji Hakoda, 43, is also a social welfare worker. When he played classic hits including “Megumi no Hito” by Rats & Star and “Young Man” (the Japanese version of “Y.M.C.A.”), even the initially reserved attendees started moving. Reminiscing about their youth, they stepped side to side and jumped with their hands in the air. Having worked up a light sweat, a 68-year-old woman from Osaka’s Joto Ward smiled and said, “I can completely let go and get rid of stress.”
To prevent injuries, breaks are mandatory. Live singing and piano performances held during a short break allowed participants to sit down and calm their minds and bodies. When it was over, they returned with energy to the dance floor, and the 90-minute program flew by.
Senior Disco is organized by Hakoda along with another social welfare worker, Sayaka Sasaki, 50, and graphic designer Taishi Jinno, 47, under the “association to spread senior disco.”
The inspiration came when Sasaki was working at a social welfare council. While supporting elderly community activities such as exercise classes, she met a woman who wasn’t good at connecting deeply with other residents. Inspired by the woman’s desire to dance like she did at discos in the past, Sasaki organized a disco session as entertainment at a senior dinner gathering, which was a huge success. This led to the standalone Senior Disco events.
On the day this reporter visited, two sessions were held — one in the daytime and another one in the evening, with about 50 participants in their 20s to 80s. The oldest participant in the past was 96, and there is also a 92-year-old regular. Organizers used social media to draw participants, and the event filled up within a day and a half, with at least 10 people on the waiting list.
Participants in the “Senior Disco” event dance to nostalgic music in Osaka’s Miyakojima Ward, June 22, 2025. (Mainichi/Mizuki Hayashi)
Casual participation offers ‘extraordinary’ experience
The event’s popularity stems from its contrast with traditional community-based senior club and circle activities, which often rely on relatively close-knit relationships. At Senior Disco, people who do not even know each other’s names or where they live can enjoy a one-time moment together through music and dance. A 66-year-old woman from Miyakojima Ward commented, “I can enjoy an extraordinary experience. Last time I came with a friend, but it was just as fun alone.”
Sasaki noted, “In communities, having close relationships and getting along is a premise. Some people don’t fit into that mold and prefer casual, transient circles. It would be great if entertainment for the elderly and ways of connecting with others could become more diverse.”
For upcoming Senior Disco events, visit the official website (in Japanese).
(Japanese original by Mizuki Hayashi, Osaka City News Department)
AloJapan.com