Obon and Bon Odori
History of ObonObon comes from the Buddhist festival of "Ullambana", when people remember departed friends and loved ones. It is based on a Buddhist text which describes how the devout monk Mokuren dances with joy upon successfully releasing his deceased mother’s spirit from the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Today, participants dance to express their joy to be living happily and to honor loved ones who have passed away. Obon is also commonly known as the Festival of Lanterns, referring to the traditional lighting of the chochin at family shrines and gravesites.
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Obon Celebrations
Click the image above to visit a slideshow of Obon vocabulary terms.
Obon is held outdoors during the summer months, often in the street or in temple parking lots and courtyards. Central to its celebration are the folk dances (Bon Odori) performed to music that includes the steady beat of a taiko. The taiko sits on a raised platform called a yagura, and musicians use bachi sticks on the taiko to keep time for the Bon odori dancers. The guiding atmosphere of Bon Odori is to set aside the ego and dance freely as though no-one is watching. Participation is customarily diverse, including both young and old dancers, those with experience and newcomers alike.
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Let's Dance!
炭坑節 Tanko Bushi - Coal Miner's Ondo
One of the easiest and most famous Bon Odori is Tanko Bushi, a simple song sung from the perspective of the miners working in a coal pit in the evening. The dance steps mimic the work of the miners as they dig coal, push carts, and gaze up at the rising moon. There are only nine steps; can you master the odori for Tanko Bushi?
Learn MoreMust Love Japan.com: Bon Odori
Instructions, video, and music for 20 of the most popular Bon Odori. Obon in Roppongi: Azabu Juban
A walk through the streets of the Roppongi district of Tokyo on the day and night of the Azabu Juban Obon Matsur Koganji Temple Obon, 2012
Obon celebrations in Hawaii's Manoa valley, where many Japanese Americans still practice the traditions of the festival |
Ondo Music炭坑節 - 鈴木正夫
Coal Miner's Ondo - Suzuki Masao 東京音頭 - 中村美律子
Tokyo Ondo - Nakamura Mitsuko 新・二十一世紀音頭 - 相原ひろ子
New 21st Century Ondo - Aihara Hiroko |
Bon Odori Dancesポケモン音頭
Pokemon Ondo performed by attendees of Anime North Convention, 2009 石原三丁目子供会☆新・二十一世紀音頭
New 21st Century Ondo performed by Ishihara Sanchome Children's Club |
