Bon-Odori

About 2 weekends ago, we went to Yuutenji temple to enjoy Bon-odori (bon dance). Bon-odori is a kind of folk dance held at temples during the time of "obon," where we welcome our deceased ancestors. At the time of "obon, " people usually go back to their homelands, and it is a time for big family gatherings, kind of like Thanksgiving in the U.S. Although the standard dates for "obon" is in August, the date the Bon-odori is held varies at each temple. Yuutenji temple has its Bon-odori festival a bit earlier in July, so we went to go have some fun since Yuuki seemed to be feeling a little better from his cold. (Which turned out to be false, and his fever rose again at night..:( So sorry Yuuki for taking you out...)

The Bon-odori is a big festival where there are lots of food stands and game stands all around the dance circle. Somehow $5 beer cans, greasy yakisoba, and sweet cotton candy taste so good in that atmosphere. People wear Yukata, a summer cotton kimono and enjoy dancing, eating, and playing games. It is a very special time of year, and I am sure Yuuki will love it when he grows up. We are very lucky to have such a big temple that holds a great Bon-odori festival.

We were able to meet up with the Kimoto's our ex-neighbors in Santa Monica, who were back in Tokyo for the summer. Emma-chan, their daughter looked so cute in her Yukata. She had been practicing one of the Bon dances at her Japanese kindergarden, and was able to dance to one of the songs that she practiced! Yay Emma!