Japan Lifts 67-Year Old Ban on Dancing

The 'Footloose'-type law banning dancing after midnight came into effect after WWII when dance halls were fronts for prostitution.

After 67-years of furtive shape throwing, the people of Japan can openly dance again, reports CNN.

The near seven decade ban on dancing after midnight, which isn't too far off the rather plot of Footloose, was lifted last week when Japanese lawmakers decided the repeal the law after years of repeated criticism that it was out of date and obsolete.

Originally instituted in 1948, the ban was designed to stop prostitution that was linked to dance halls. However, the law was never overtly enforced, with police turning a blind eye despite Japanese clubs the presence of 'no dancing signs' prominently displayed in Japanese clubs.

In 2010, however, there was renewed enthusiasm for the ban after a deadly club brawl in Osaka led to the death of a 22-year-old student. A movement known as the "Japanese War on Dance" sought to crack down on loose-limbed lawlessness after hours and called for arresting club promoters and DJs.

Finally, last week, legislators removed the last vestiges of the law, and the reaction on Twitter was immediate.

#TDSBreakingNews Japan lawmakers lift 67-year ban on dancing after midnight. As long as you're still working while you dance. — The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 22, 2015

It's been illegal to dance in bars and clubs after midnight in Japan since 1948. But that ban's now been dropped. #dancinginthemoonlight — Lucy Walker (@LucyWalker10) June 22, 2015

This is a huge victory for Japan's dance music scene! Finally dancing after midnight will be legal! http://t.co/dNMtHi33jx — DIONYSUS (@dionysus_dreams) June 18, 2015

Can't believe they just lifted a ban on dancing in Japan. I wouldn't go out if I couldn't dance. Really the only reason I go out to clubs — Housmau5 (@jcandy258) June 18, 2015