Obon Dance (San Jose-Summary, 2007-07-14)

On Saturday, the San Jose community danced Obon Odori to celebrate a Japanese festival called Obon Matsuri (odori=dance, matsuri=festival). Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival to honor one's ancestors. The colorful clothing are mostly yukatas and happi coats (different from kimonos).

This summary reviews 11 of the 15 dances that were performed at the festival.

Number of dancers (announced over the speaker): 914

Start time: 7:45 pm

Music performed live by San Jose Chidori Band:
"Shinshu Ondo"
"Obon no Uta"
"Gassho Ondo"
"Sukiyaki"
"Sawayaka Ondo"
"Pokemon Ondo"
"Oyama Ondo"
"Janken Ondo"
"Shiawase Samba"

Music performed live by San Jose Taiko:
"Soran Bushi"
"Ei Ja Nai Ka"

(At Japantown, San Jose, CA on 2007-07-14)

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• obon
• matsuri
• festival
• odori
• dance
• san
• jose

[youvideohk2007]

while sing that song?

[nippononna]

I think we japanese try to enjoy and weather hot and humid season by dancing...

And this kind of festival gives us to have an opportunity to get acquainted with neighbors.

Knowing each other is very helpful when we meet a disaster like a fire or a strong earthquake.

[omgnoway0]

Obon(お盆, Obon?)or just Bon (盆, Bon?)is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed deceased spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves. It has existed in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance,known as Bon-Odori.The festival of Obon lasts for three days; however its starting date varies within different regions of Japan.

[youvideohk2007]

can any japanses tell me why japan do this?

[Atsuke]

Oh and by the way (sorry I kind of got excited after seeing myself lol) 5/5 for putting and sharing such a wonderful video to us!

[Atsuke]

WOW OMG I SEE ME LOL