Culture — August 14, 2009 0:11 — View Comments Written by: Heather V.

Japanese Culture, Now Hawaii Traditions

After losing their crops in their hometowns, the first Japanese immigrants came to Hawaii in the mid 1800’s looking for a better way of life. Plantation work was very harsh with most of the immigrants returning to Japan at the end of their contracts. But, those that remained brought their culture that continues to be a part of island living — Hawaii’s local culture.

Japanese Traditions, now Hawaii Traditions

One of the most common practices are removing our shoes before entering our own or someones home.
Perhaps the most embraced cultural practice is Japanese food: sushi, musubi, teriyaki, and more!
Hina Matsuri or Girls’ Day is a very popular tradition as well as,
Tango-no-Sekku or Boys’ Day with flying banner fishes.

The integration of the Japanese culture and traditions into what is modern day Hawaii culture, and my favorite are the annual Bon Dances.

Bon Odori originates from the story of Mokuren, a disciple of the Buddha, who used his supernatural powers to look upon his deceased mother. He discovered she had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts and was suffering. Greatly disturbed, he went to the Buddha and asked how he could release his mother from this realm. Buddha instructed him to make offerings to the many Buddhist monks who had just completed their summer retreat, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. The disciple did this and, thus, saw his mother’s release. He also began to see the true nature of her past unselfishness and the many sacrifices that she had made for him. The disciple, happy because of his mother’s release and grateful for his mother’s kindness, danced with joy. From this dance of joy comes Bon Odori or “Bon Dance”, a time in which ancestors and their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. See also: Ullambana Sutra. — Wikipedia Bon Festival

Traditionally in Japan, Bon Dance Festivals were celebrated by the entire village or region. Each part would have their own style of song and dance often depicting the way of their lifestyle in that village. A mass is held at a Buddhist temple or church with the festival outside in the court yard. Many are dressed in traditional Kimono, Yukata, and Happi Coats.

Photo Credit: Rickyli99

The actual dance is done by going clockwise around the Yagura tower — typically built specifically for the festival with the music being played through speakers or from traditional Taiko Drums.

These summer festivals are held June thru September and are a part of summer that most of us look forward too. Check the schedule for a Bon Dance near you and try something new! Let’s ODORI!

Enjoy a short video of the recent Bon Dance in Waipahu.