Japan is currently celebrating the period of ancestor remembrance known as Obon (13-16 August*, in some areas it is held in July). It is believed that the souls of the deceased return to earth from another world during this time, and those of us in this world make various preparations to welcome them back.

 
One of the major Obon events is a visit to the family grave. Businesses/companies (usually except for the commercial sector) are on Obon holidays, so city workers return to their hometowns. At this time of year, local supermarkets are filled with colorful offerings and items used for the family grave visit.
 

 

 

With some must-have items, we the family and relatives gather at the grave, clean it with water, place offerings and flowers, light candles and incense, put our hands together in prayer, maybe some chant their prayer to Buddha (Nembutsu), and quietly express gratitudes to the ancestors while remembering the good old days shared with the deceased.
 

 
Another well-known Obon event is Bon Odori (dance), which was originally intended to entertain and console the souls of deceased who are back on earth, before they go back to another world . In a local park or a public open space, a tower is set up and Bon dance tunes are played on top of it, usually with drums, flutes and a singer who sings Bon-uta. Everyone dances in a circle/circles to the song, which goes relatively slowly, so the dance moves are also slow and easy to master.
 

 
Obon is said to have its origins in the Buddhist’s traditional event named ‘Uranbon-e’, which was derived from an episode of Mokuren (Moggallana) who had supernatural abilities and was chief disciple of Buddah. As it’s been almost 1500 years since Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the idea of Obon being a Buddist’s event could have been a little thinned through calls of times and/or it has become more adapted to the traditional customs and values of different localities.
To see what Bon dance is like, please visit https://www.sapporo.travel/summerfes/event/odori02/
(Sorry, the English page with the equivalent info not found)
 

 
I believe that every corner of the world has its own unique form of ancestral remembrance. If you are visiting Japan at this time of year, please join a Bon dance circle and enjoy the feel of Obon, remembering or even together with your ancestors ❤😉
 

 
K Minami