June means the start of Obon festival time! In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Obon is characterized as “kangi-e” or joyful gathering. It is a festive occasion to celebrate all that we have as a living beings.

Bon Dance gives us a chance to express our gratitude to our ancestors, teachers and friends, to show appreciation to them and to express how fortunate we are to be able to listen to the Buddha’s teachings. We celebrate the opportunity that we have to follow the teachings and to embrace them in our daily lives.

dancing * taiko drumming * fellowship * good food * shave ice * Bontique shop in our Social Hall * temple tours

Parking: Overflow parking at Hongwanji Mission School, Kawananakoa Middle School, and Cathedral School.

Taiko at 6 p.m. both evenings!

On both Friday and Saturday evenings, there will be a short service at 5:30 p.m. in the main temple hall. The speaker will be Rev. Jan Youth.

Then, at 6 p.m., festivities begin outside with a taiko drumming performance, which will be followed by an opening aspiration from the yagura (the stage around which we dance) at 6:15 p.m. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m.

For photos and video from past Bon festivals, see our Bon Odori Gallery.