What is Bon Odori in Japan?

盆踊り / ぼんおどり In Japan, there is a period of time, as well as certain events, where people pray for the spirits of their deceased relatives and ancestors to be able to obtain Buddhahood without suffering.

What is the Obon dance?

Obon (お盆) or just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori. The festival of Obon lasts for three days; however, its starting date varies within different regions of Japan.

Who performs Bon Odori?

1. Purpose of Bon–odori. Japanese people perform Bon–odori to honor the spirits of their ancestors. From August 13th to 16th, many Japanese people believe that ancestral spirits come back to life, and people visit their family graves to make offerings.

What is noh mai?

Noh mai is a dance that is done to music that is made by flutes and small hand drums called tsuzumi. At various points the performers dance to vocal and percussion music, and these points are called kuse or kiri. Noh mai dances are put together by a series of forms. This is a very fast dance.

Why is Obon important?

The Obon celebration is one of the most important customs for the Japanese. Also known as Bon, this season is used to celebrate the spirits of a person’s ancestors. A custom introduced by the Buddhists to the Japanese, it is a holiday that brings the family together and reunites them with the dead.

What is the purpose of Bon Odori?

Bon odori is a public, participatory dance that is meant to attract young and old, both trained dancers and those who just want to celebrate. Each region of Japan has its own variety of bon odori that celebrates its own unique culture.

Where does Bon Odori originate from?

Japan
Tracing its roots back to Japan, Bon Odori evolved out of the Odori Nembutsu, a popular Buddhist chant and dance from the late Heian (794 – 1185) and Kamakura (1185 – 1333) periods. By the 1600s, it became widespread and very popular in rural communities, providing a break from farm life.