July 14, 2012 - Japanese Obon Festival

Because my sister-in-law is Japanese, she purchased a Yukata for me many years ago. While I have worn it once as a Halloween costume, I have not had another occassion to wear it. My co-worker and friend has participated in the Japanese Obon Dance Festival since she was four years old and she showed me pictures of her dancing with her three year old daughter last year. I loved the pictures so much that I decided to participate in the festival with my beautiful three year old. The festival was on June 14, 2012 and went from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The festival included fabulous Japanese food, Japanese items and gifts for sale, snow cones & candy, socializing, tours of the Buddhist Chapel, a Taiko Drum Exhibition, and Obon Odori Street Dancing.

Alissa and I attended dance practices every night for two weeks and we met some wonderful people in the process. We learned 15 different dances that we performed from 8-10 p.m. All dancers were required to wear either a Yukata, Kimono, or Happi coat, although the audience was invited to join in during the last three dances. Everyone was super nice to us and welcomed us with open arms.

Here is Alissa wearing her Japanese yukata with obi sash

This is a picture of Alissa and I in the dressing room as we were getting ready to dance.

This is me helping Alissa to put on her dancing gear which included a Uchiwa (Round Fan), Sensu (Folding Fan), Tenugui (Japanese towel), and Japanese castenets (Kachi Kachi's),

This is Alissa and I showing off our rings that we light up at night...

This is Alissa with her Yukata, her Hello Kitty round fan tucked into her obi, and Hello Kitty umbrella that was given to her by her Aunt S.

 Alissa found a rock that she wanted to show off for the camera.

 The Taiko Drum Exhibition

 Me dancing the Matsumoto Bon Bon with my Uchiwa (Round Fan)

 Alissa and I dancing the Wa Ni Natte Odoro (let's make a circle and dance)