Bon-Odori, Summer Festival

A highlight of summer festivals in Japan is the bon-odori (盆踊り/ Bon dance). Each region has its own version of the dance and different music. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, bon-odori is a way to entertain and send off the spirits of our ancestors and celebrate life. Dancers circle the yagura, a high wooden bandstand for the musicians and singers.

At Portland Japanese Garden, dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from the Oregon Buddhist Temple. Come to learn the dances, see people dressed in yukata, and to hear and feel the sound of taiko drums.