Obon Festival 2006
Photo Essay by Cindi Soo Hoo

This traditional festival called Obon which originated in Japan is celebrated in San Jose's Japantown as a possibility of enlightenment which is known as “Kangi-e” -- The Gathering of Joy every year in July. This Obon festival is celebrated with the San Jose Taiko Performers, Chidori Band, Obon Odori (Folk Dancing), and more.

As you see in the photos that I have taken, notice anyone in the crowd? Yes; that's right that's Cindy Chavez and a few other Council members in the Odori dance. For the past few years that I have attended this time honored event. Many more people have joined in this traditional Odori dance which lasts for almost 45 minutes to 50 minutes. The numbers increase every year maybe one day I will see you in there. Here is how their dance is shown with the listings of hand movements.

Obon No Uta -   Uchiwa
Gassho Ondo   - Hands
Wonderful Ondo – Fan/Uchiwa
Sawayaka Ondo   - Towel
One + One Ondo – Hands
Ni-sen-nen Ondo – Fan/Uchiwa
Janken Ondo – Hands
Oyama Ondo -   Kachi Kachi
Pokemon Ondo – Hands
Fukushima Ondo – Towels
Ei Ja Nai Ka – Hands
Tanko Bushi – Hands
Obon No Uta - Uchiwa

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