2006 Obon Festival - July 8 and 9

Updated May 19, 2006

72nd Annual San Jose Obon Festival Dances Into Town July 8-9
Two-day event features Japanese food, taiko drummers, games and largest Obon dance in Northern California

San Jose, Calif. - The 72nd annual San Jose Obon Festival will be celebrated July 8-9, 2006 in Japantown at Fifth Street and Jackson. Presented by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the free outdoor festival offers a rich cultural experience complete with traditional dance, food, music and games.

More than 700 dancers, dressed in traditional kimonos or hapi coats, will dance under colorful lanterns around an outdoor pavilion. Everyone is welcome to join. Dancers will be accompanied by live music performed by the Chidori Band of San Jose.

"In the Buddhist tradition, Obon is a time to reunite with loved ones," said Michael Jones, president, San Jose Church Betsuin. "Our annual San Jose Obon Festival, held in one of the three remaining Japantowns in the United States, offers a weekend of fun for the whole family."

Adults and children can expect to enjoy a variety of food and entertainment. Partake in Japanese and American favorites such as sushi, beef and chicken teriyaki, gyoza, udon, tempura, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. Browse books and fresh flowers or hear folk stories and play carnival games. Plus, don't miss San Jose Taiko as it delivers a powerful, rhythmic drum performance each festival day.

The public is also invited to learn about Japanese symbols and practices in a brief "Buddhism 101" session in the San Jose Buddhist Temple at 640 North Fifth Street. Obon religious services will be held there the following week on Sunday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Festivities begin at noon. To get to Japantown via public transportation, take light rail to the Japantown/Ayer Light Rail Station.

Back to Top

 

The Schedule for the 2006 Obon is:

	Saturday	Sunday
Food Booths Open	12pm (Noon)	12pm (Noon)
Bookstore Hours	1pm - 6pm	1pm - 6pm
Game Booths Open	2:00 pm	1:00 pm
Taiko Performance	1:00 pm	----
Japanese Story Telling	----	1:00 pm
Book Signing with Felicia Hoshino	----	2:30 pm
Buddhism 101	2:30 pm	3:00 pm
Taiko Performance	3:00 pm	2:00 pm
Bingo Opens	3:00 pm	3:00 pm
San Jose Taiko Performance	4:30 pm	3:30 pm
Chidori Band Performance	6:30 pm	5:00 pm
Obon Odori (Folk Dancing)	7:45 pm	6:00 pm
Raffle Drawing	None	8:00 pm

If you are interested in participating in the Obon Odori (dancing), there are several practice sessions being held in late June. The practices and the dancing is open to anyone. To see the Obon Odori Practice Schedule, click here.

Back to Top