2017 - 94th San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon & Bon Odori (2 Days, Diff Time) Japanese Cultural Exhibits, Food, Games, Performances.. Updated: Yesterday

It is one of the largest and longest running festivals of its kind in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Conejo, and Antelope Valleys.  It was started by the Nisei, is being carried on by the Sansei, and enjoyed by the Yonsei and Gosei.  Every year it draws thousands of visitors from all across Southern California to its booths to enjoy savory ethnic delights such as Chicken Teriyaki, Chinese Chicken Salad, Chirashi, Sushi, Spam Musubi, Cha Shu Bao, Shu Mai, Beef Teriyaki, Udon, and Somen.  It features games such as Bingo, Fishing Derby, Dough Ball, Ring Toss, and Gold Fish Toss.  There are displays of Bonsai, Japanese Dolls, and Calligraphy as well as a Japanese Flea Market, Bookstore, and a Raffle.

It begins with taiko drumers drawing people to the fesitivities with their loud, enthusiastic, and boisterous performance.  This is followed by hundreds of kimono, yukata, and happi coat clad dancers moving to the rhythms and melodies of both traditional and modern Japanese music all to celebrate the Buddhist "Festival of Joy" which started centuries ago as a religious custom to remember and express gratititude to deceased loved ones.

For many people of Japanese ancestry who can trace their roots back to the San Fernando Valley and its Japanese American Community Center, the summer would not be the summer without the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple's Obon Festival, or simply The Obon.  It is tradition.  It is friends and famillies gathering to enjoy each other's company.  It is neighbors getting to know each other.  It is strangers getting acquainted and becoming friends.  It is numerous community organizations and their leaders coming together and working cooperatively to ensure a meaningful experience for all.  It is community. 

This year's Obon will take place at the SFVJACC located at 12953 Branford St. (at the 5 Fwy.) in Pacoima on Saturday, June 24; 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 25; 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.s.  So mark your calendars, dust off your kachi-kachi, tenugui, and your uchiwa; rustle up your yukata and get ready to eat, dance, and play the night away and while you're at it, invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers too.  Everyone will appreciate the opportunity to share in the cultural experience and perpetuate the long-standing tradition that is Obon.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.  Come one, come all!

Festival Obon Dates
June 24 - 25, 2017

San Fernando Obon Times
Sat: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Bon Odori Dancing
Saturday: 7:00 pm: Bon Odori dancing
Sunday: 6:30 pm: Bon Odori dancing

Parking
Free

Obon Dance Practice - Locate All Practice Dates:  http://bit.ly/2sAUcE1
Obon Dance Practice Dates at 6:30 pm: Starting in June
June 13, 15, 20, 22, starting at 6:30 pm.  Temple parking lot

Two Locations for Obon Festival & Odori Practices
1) Obon Festival
San Fernando Valley JA Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

2) Dance Practices
San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 9450 Remick Avenue, Pacoima, CA 91331

Find ALL Japanese Summer Festivals - See Calendar List - http://bit.ly/TTkHid
Celebrate the Japanese Culture – food, performances and dancing.

(Please always confirm date & times, the schedule could change)

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