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Bon Odori...in the US???

Weekly Topic: The “10-minute challenge” to try during the Obon/Summer holiday

Holly Sensei

Aug 14, 2025

For those of you who are lucky to live in communities with a sizeable Japanese population, I'm really envious! You get to experience an authentic Bon Odori. Now, let me tell you about my experience...

I recently attended a Bon Odori in upstate New York. For starters, it takes some planning and initiative to start anything new, so hats off to the community organizations who made it happen! This is only the 2nd year that they've had Bon Odori here. Last year I did not go. Even though we had bought a nice yukata for my child to wear, she had a tantrum and refused to go (she's in middle school, mind you). This year, she went with her friend. When her friend went home after an hour, she was sulking.

But me! I made the most of the experience. I had experienced Bon Odori when I lived in Japan, but honestly, it has been YEARS. Did I dance? You bet I did! One of the good things about getting older is that you no longer care (as much!) about what other people think. I did not know the dance moves. I just copied what other people were doing, hehe. And get this! I did not know most of the people there. Maybe one or two. But it was fun to dance, anyway. Even if my child decided she didn't want to dance, I danced anyway, in a parking lot in upstate New York under the blazing sun...just because I wanted to!

Now, as to why they held the Obon event in JULY instead of August....there may have been many reasons! I hope one day soon I can attend an Obon event in August...AT NIGHT! It has been SO HOT this summer!

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