Obon is an important holiday for Japanese Buddhists to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors. Or, in my terms, honor those relatives that have died. In my life, Bon Odori (the dance portion of Obon) has been two nights of festivities in July at the Seattle Buddhist Church -- dancing, food, Taiko drumming, and, as an adult, a beer garden.
I feel a personal connection to Bon Odori; My (paternal) great grandmother, Fuku Nakatani, was the preeminent instructor of Japenese dance and music in the United States. Decades preceding Japanese American Internment ("Camp") during World War II until her death in 1969, she taught Japanese dance to many young and not-so-young girls, including my mother, in the Seattle area. And, many (I'm guessing most) of the Bon Odori dances that are performed all over the United States were created by her. I don't think many people remember this, so my "connection" is largely anonymous as I wander Main St. during the festivities. It makes me proud, but I've kept this "secret" largely to myself.
This weekend is the 75th Anniversary of Bon Odori of the Seattle Buddhist Church. Much to my surprise, the Seattle Times covered this story, featuring my grandmother.
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