Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist summer festival in which we honor our ancestors who have passed on, remember and appreciate all they have done for us, and celebrate their ongoing presence in the lives we enjoy today. Obon has a 500 year history. The main event, following a Hatsubon (remembrance) service, consists of Bon Odori dancing, where many festival goers dress in Japanese kimono, yukata or happi coats. The dances are easy to do.

Bon Odori is the “Beauty of Japanese Dance”. This style of Japanese dance is performed during the Obon Festival, a Japanese festival time of Gathering, Gratitude and Celebration. Our instructor is Izumi, a 15-year student of Wakahisa-kai Asian Traditional Dance & Music Foundation, Inc. Dancing is accompanied by vocalist Narong singing traditional Japanese folk songs.