Rooted in the Japanese Buddhist tradition of Obon, which honors the spirits of ancestors through communal dance, music and gathering, Bon odori is celebrated each year in Hawaiʻi through various festivals at local temples, missions and public sites over the summer season.
On Tuesday, Kaimukī Public Library hosted community members interested in warming up for the summer festivals, with an Obon Dance Workshop! led by Hawaiʻi Shin Kobukai.
Dozens of dancers were in attendance, varying in age from keiki to kūpuna, some dressed in happi coats, casual kimonos (yukata) and wooden-soled sandals (geta). Fans were provided as the group circled up for the first Bon dance, which had four movements, backed by drums and pre-recorded music.
Once the music started, hand movements began to mimic plantation workers, a nod to early Japanese immigrants who brought Obon to the Islands.
The only thing missing was lanterns overhead. But by the look of children and their parents’ faces, they were already having fun.
The free event was led by members of Hawaiʻi Shin Kobukai in partnership with Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. Photo by Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Dozens of dancers were in attendance, varying in age from keiki to kūpuna, some dressed in happi coats, causal kimonos (yukata) and wooden-soled sandals (geta). Photo by Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Once the music started, hand movements began to mimic plantation workers, a nod to early Japanese immigrants who brought Obon to the Islands. Photo by Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Kailua-based debut author Brandi-Ann Uyemura (center) was at the library prior to the scheduled Bon dance, promoting her newly released children’s book “I Am a Bon Dancer," with help from The Friends of Kaimukī Public Library. Photo by Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros (Aloha State Daily Staff)
The free event ran for an hour in partnership with Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.
Kailua-based debut author Brandi-Ann Uyemura was at the library Tuesday prior to the scheduled Bon dance, promoting her newly released children’s book “I Am a Bon Dancer,” which is inspired by her early experiences with her grandfather at an Obon Festival in Kauaʻi. She also jumped in on the first song.
“In my story, the main character feels like everyone’s watching her, like she’s in the spotlight of the lanterns, while everyone’s doing the same dance,” Uyemura previously told Aloha State Daily. “Even when I was a kid, I would sit on the bench and watch my grandpa go around and around. And I think that any child who has that fear of making a mistake, the whole point is realizing the meaning behind your ancestors’ sacrifice, that it gives you courage. I want children to read it and feel like they can get courage.”
Looking for more Bon Dances and Obon Festivals this summer? Check out the Japanese Culture Center of Hawaʻi’s list of upcoming events across the state.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
