At a recent Obon festival at the Makawao Hongwanji Mission, I sat on a wooden bench under a beautiful Friday evening sunset. A full moon rose behind us. As spectators gathered, dancers moved in synchronized steps around a wide circle with a temple-like platform at the center. Elderly ladies, hair in buns and Obi expertly tied, gracefully considered well-known steps, while … [Read more...] about Bon Dance Season Is Here: Kimonos, paper lanterns, and honoring the dead
Obon
16th annual Maui Matsuri Festival at UH Maui College
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui presents the 16th annual Maui Matsuri Festival this Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC). Learn the tradition of Obon, then partake in a host of Japanese and Okinawan activities for all ages throughout the afternoon on the UHMC Great Lawn. Enjoy food, craft booths, entertainment, demonstrations, … [Read more...] about 16th annual Maui Matsuri Festival at UH Maui College