オフィシャル

Bon-dance is one of Japanese cultures that I want to introduce to foreign tourists. “Bon” is a word showing a period in summer, and it originally came from Buddhism long ago. Apparently the dance was offered to ancestors in ancient times. However nobody care about that now. They purely enjoy dancing, and the event is not almost link to Buddhism. So, Bon-dance festival is an event that everyone can enjoy, regardless of religion. Even if you don’t know how to dance, or you are not a good dancer, it is OK. You do not need to worry about that. I am not good at dancing, neither. Once you come to a Bon-dance festival, you will be excited by watching people who enjoy dancing, listening to Bon-dance music, eating snacks or shaved ice, or drinking soft drinks or alcohols.

You also will be aware that some people come to a Bon-dance festival by wearing “Yukata”. Yukata is a kind of summer Kimono made of cotton. Kimono, a Japanese traditional cloth made of silk, is expensive and not washable, so it is not easy to own and wear even Japanese. Yukata is much cheaper and washable, and there are so many patterns. People, especially ladies, enjoy the special fashion for the festival.

Many foreigners may find it strange that Japanese people who well known a kind of shy enjoy dancing. I also don’t know the reason. I must say it is like singing at a Karaoke Box, or enjoy drinking under cherry blossom in spring.

In every summer, Bon-dance festivals are held widely in Japan, from a small one to a big one. I know there are Bon-dance festivals in Hawaii or Brazil, where Japanese immigrated long ago. If you come to Japan on business or sightseeing, and if you find a Bon-dance festival nearby, don’t hesitate to participate in the festival. I don’t know if you can enjoy the Bon-dance festival like me, but you would be able to find a real piece of Japanese culture.