Bon Odori (盆) 2010

On the 24th of July Takiyama 2 Chome celebrated the Bon Odori with dance, children performance and food. Bon originates in the Buddhist custom of remembering deceased ancestors but over the years the practice has evolved into family reunions and paying homage to ancestral graves or shrines. There are three kinds of Bon Odori. The first is called shichigatsu bon; it is celebrated in the month of July. The second is referred to as Hachigatsu bon and is celebrated in August. The last is called the Kyu bon which is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Bon odori has been celebrated for over five centuries in Japan and has a rich musical and dance tradition. Today it is a community event where people drink, dance and socialize.