Japanese Obon Festival
Dear Dojo Community,
Please mark your calendars a special dojo outing on the evening of Sat June 29th.
Who: open to public – students, families, friends all welcome
What: Japanese Obon Festival (sfvhbt.org/obon-festival/)
When: Saturday June 29 evening (approx 5:30~8pm)
Where: jointly hosted by
SFV Japanese American Community Center (sfvjacc.com) and
SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
SFV Japanese American Community Center (sfvjacc.com) and
SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
12953 Branford St, Pacoima, CA 91331
(between Osborne and Sheldon exits of I-5)
About
The Obon Festival (aka Bon) is a Japanese traditional holiday held during the summer in the evening and dating back over 500 years. It fuses native Japanese Shinto religion and imported Chinese Buddhism, with a focus on veneration of one’s ancestors. Highlights include a traditional dance called the Obon Odori, lighting of lanterns, Taiko drumming, as well as food and game stalls. The traditional attire is the yukata (light kimono for summer or for bathing).
The iconic festival often features in Japanese-produced and -inspired media such as Komi Can’t Communicate (youtu.be/QJl5AwpnKPs) Kubo and the Two Strings (youtu.be/qZefKaANfe0).
Cost:
Admissions to the event is free. There are stalls for food and game vendors that accept cash and cards.
Parking:
Parking is limited due to the lot and streets being used for the event itself. Students are welcome and encouraged to carpool with others where possible. The dojo Facebook group may be helpful (facebook.com/groups/dragonandcranedojo)
Meeting:
Our target meeting time is 5:30pm at the food stalls. Please wear your dojo T-shirt so we can find one another easily. We will start by exploring stalls and eating so late arrival should not be an issue. The group Bon Odori dance begins at 6:30pm so ensure arrival no later than that. Students are welcome to stay or leave at whatever timing suits their convenience and mood.