Discover the Traditions and Rituals of Japan’s Obon Festival
Do you know Bon Odori? It is a summer festival held throughout Japan from July to August. Many Japanese people wear light summer kimonos, known as yukata, and the festival is very popular with foreign tourists because it gives a sense of traditional Japan. Originally, Bon Odori was held in conjunction with the Japanese Buddhist event called “Obon.” Nowadays, many people simply enjoy it as a festival, but most Japanese return to their homes during Obon and spend it according to their family traditions. In this article, I will introduce what “Obon” is in detail.
The Origins of Obon
It is well known that Japanese religion includes Shinto and Buddhism, and Buddhism was introduced to Japan around the mid-6th century, spreading in the 7th and 8th centuries. Before that, the Japanese believed in gods that inhabited mountains, rivers, and other natural elements.
Moreover, there was a belief that when a person died, their soul would travel to the land of the dead (Yomi no Kuni) and then merge with nature, becoming an ancestor spirit to protect descendants. Rituals to comfort and welcome these ancestor spirits were already being practiced around the time of the turn of the era.
When Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the old form of Shinto was not yet systematized, but it was widely believed throughout the country. Over time, Buddhism and Shinto merged and developed together, with Buddhist statues being enshrined in Shinto shrines, and the two belief systems blending together.
The practice of welcoming and sending off the spirits of ancestors, which is not originally part of Indian Buddhism, was born in Japan by combining it with Shinto beliefs about ancestor spirits.
Timing of Obon
- New Obon: July 13-16 (mainly in certain regions of Tokyo)
- Old Obon: August 13-16 (in many other regions)
Originally, the “Ullambana” (Obon) was held on the 15th of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. In the Meiji period, when the calendar changed, some regions of Tokyo moved the Obon to the 15th of the new lunar calendar (July 15), but many other regions kept it on the 15th of the lunar month, which corresponds to the 8th month in the Gregorian calendar. It is said that the shift to August was chosen because July is a busy farming season, and the Obon in August is sometimes called the “delayed Bon” (Tsukishure Bon).
Modern Obon
During this period, it is common for relatives to gather at the deceased’s home to offer prayers. Customs vary by region, but generally, people offer the deceased’s favorite items and pray for them. In some regions, to ensure the spirits can return home without getting lost, a “welcome fire” is lit on the first day of Obon, and a “send-off fire” is lit on the last day.
In many regions, Obon lasts for four days, from July or August 13th to 16th, and the 14th and 15th are known as the “mid days.” Many people visit the grave and offer prayers during these middle days, gathering with relatives for memorial services.
After Obon
The last day of Obon is commonly called “Bonake” (the end of Obon). To send off the spirits that returned to the home, people light a send-off fire at the entrance of the house or at the grave, depending on the region. In Kyoto, the “Gozan no Okuribi” (the five mountains fire) is held on the night of August 16th.
Even those who are not particularly religious often return to their hometowns during Obon, gathering with their families, cleaning the graves, and paying respects. In Japan, most children are on summer vacation in August, and even working people often take “Obon vacation” around August 15th, with a break of about 3 days to a week.
During this time, traveling within Japan can be crowded, especially on long-distance transportation like the Shinkansen. It’s hard to find available seats, and roads are heavily congested, with severe traffic jams occurring every year near Obon and the New Year holidays. If you’re planning to travel by rental car, be cautious.
Most people stay with their families, but more and more people are traveling during this time. Accommodation prices often rise, and booking early is recommended to secure a place.
Festivals and Events Related to Obon
There are many events and festivals in modern Japan that are related to Obon and are popular with foreign tourists. While some festivals have lost their religious significance, events like the “Spirit Boat Procession” or “Gozan no Okuribi” are very popular with tourists but still hold strong religious meaning for the locals. Enjoy the festivals according to the atmosphere of each event.
Bon Odori
From around July 20th to the end of August, summer festivals are held across Japan. As the name “Bon Odori” suggests, it originally started as a ritual to welcome the spirits of ancestors, but as it spread to the masses, its religious significance has diminished, and it became a form of entertainment for the local community.
Sumida River Fireworks
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival started in 1732, when the 8th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune held fireworks in Ryogoku to console the souls of those who died from famine and an epidemic and to ward off the evil spirits. Originally, a water deity festival was held on the river opening day, and fireworks were held in conjunction with that.
Daimonji Fire (Kyoto)
The origin of the Daimonji Fire dates back to the Warring States period when a large-scale lantern festival was held and eventually moved to the mountainsides to become a fire ritual to send off the spirits of ancestors during Obon. It is now a popular event for tourists, but originally it was a fire to send off the spirits of ancestors.
Spirit Boat Procession (Nagasaki)
During Obon, the family of the deceased creates a “spirit boat” (Shoroubune) and parades it through the streets to send off the soul of the departed. This tradition is held on the evening of August 15th in Nagasaki city and other parts of the prefecture.
Many spectators visit to see the intricately designed boats based on the deceased’s profession or hobbies, and the air is filled with the sound of bells and firecrackers, creating a festival atmosphere. However, the event is primarily a way to pay tribute to the departed souls.
Eisa Dance
Eisa is a Buddhist dance performed on the last day of Obon (the 15th day of the 7th lunar month). It is part of the Okinawan tradition, which places great importance on ancestor worship. Obon in Okinawa is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of the 7th lunar month.
On the 13th, a “Welcome” ritual (Unke) is performed, and preparations for offerings are made to welcome the ancestor spirits. During Obon, offerings are made three times a day, and family members visit the homes of relatives with altars. On the final day, the 15th (Ukii), families gather to bid farewell to their ancestors with food offerings, and the Eisa dance is performed to send off the spirits.
