Bon Odori in America is Japanese American, not Japanese. Bon Odori is generally not observed at Jodoshinshu temples in Japan. Bon Odori is not “Ondo.” Ondo does not mean dance in the Japanese language, it means to “take the lead” in a cheer or toast, and is a form of music with a single singer […]
Shirley Muramoto’s ‘Hidden Legacy’ to explore arts in the wartime camps
April 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Each year, more and more stories from the World War II American concentration camps are shared, broadening the public’s awareness about the long-term effects mass incarceration has had on the Japanese American community. Stories about people like Fred Korematsu, the Heart Mountain draft resisters and the “No-Nos” are esteemed within the community for their strong […]
BEATING OUT A NEW PATH: The proliferation of taiko in America
April 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The art of taiko drumming has had a presence in the United States for just under half a century. Several pioneers fostered and drove the art from its cultural roots to what is now an internationally recognized form of performance art featured in mainstream movies, television and music. Taiko Takes Root in the U.S. In […]
Southern California Obons and summer festivals
June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Valley Japanese Community Center’s Obon festival is on Saturday, June 22 (5-10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 23 (5-9 p.m.), at 8850 Lankershim Blvd., Sun Valley. Bon Odori begins at 7 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be food and entertainment (including the Matsutoyo Kai dance and musical group on Saturday, Los Angeles Matsuri […]
LETTERS: Article spans Sacramento’s redevelopment to Obon
June 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Dear Editor, Congratulations, on a very nice article of Sacramento’s Obon and food festival in your Nichi Bei Weekly of June 14, 2012. The Japanese American community did a great job of recovering after the relocation caused by the city redevelopment project. Tom Nakagawa Sacramento, Calif.
Sacramento Obon boasts large attendance
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Obon festivals take place at various Japanese Buddhist temples every summer, bringing together Japanese Americas, as well as some intrigued locals, increasing attendance levels for Obon festivals each year. Not only does the Buddhist Church of Sacramento have the largest church membership within the Buddhist Churches of America, it also has up to almost 700 Japanese American […]
THE GOCHISO GOURMET: Food memories
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Since we’re starting the Obon season, this is the time to reflect on those who have passed on and remember those times and events that still make us smile. After all, Obon season is when we dance and celebrate with our ancestors. I’m sure you’re not surprised that many of my memories have something to […]
SoCal Japanese Americans anticipate joyful summer celebrations
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
LOS ANGELES — Japanese Americans in Southern California are gearing up for a summer of festivals — both the Buddhist Obon observances and secular summer celebrations — that include dancing and carnivals. Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist event to honor and thank one’s ancestors for the gift of life. The meaning of Obon, according […]
Summer festivals in the East Bay
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The annual observance of Obon in the East Bay is both a time for the area’s Japanese Americans to remember their loved ones and an opportunity for the community to learn more about Buddhism. With a high concentration of Japanese Americans living in the area, the East Bay has multiple Obon and bazaar events. Set […]
Central Valley summer festivals
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Marysville Buddhist Church The Marysville Buddhist Church’s summer highlight is its Obon festival. According to the Marysville Buddhist Church’s Website, the church was officially established on April 1, 1908. However, since then, its congregation, and attendance for the church’s summer events, have also decreased. According to part-time church Secretary Joyce Nakatsu, “One hundred-something” people participate […]
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