Obon Festival puts Japanese culture, history on display this weekend
Each year, Buddhists in Japan celebrate the spirits of their ancestors at Obon, a celebration that has turned into a family reunion.
The Buddhist Church of Lodi marks the tradition each year with its Obon Festival. This year’s festival is today and Sunday, and all of Lodi is invited to come out and celebrate.
On Saturday, the fun will begin with a food sale from noon to 8 p.m. featuring favorites like teriyaki chicken, and Bingo from 1 to 8 p.m. in the church basement.
The Ukulele Strummers of Stockton will perform at 3 p.m. in the JACL Hall, followed by Shigin — Japanese poetry — at 4 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., Japanese folk dancing and music will take the stage.
Game booths for kids will be set up outside from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Sunday will bring more food and Bingo, along with taiko drumming and the big event — the traditional Obon Odori dance.
The Obon Odori originated as a folk dance to welcome ancestral spirits, but has since evolved into a celebration that varies from region to region across Japan. Many of the dances honor traditional occupations, and the dancers — usually dressed in traditional clothing — circle a platform. This year’s group of dancers has been practicing all month.
The drumming will fill the street between the Buddhist Church and the JACL Hall beginning at 6 p.m., with the dance beginning at 7.
The whole community is invited to attend.