Obon Festival Japan 2024: Traditional Dance Celebrations Explained

The Obon Festival, also known simply as Obon, is a Japanese tradition that honors the spirits of ancestors.
The festival is one of Japan’s most important and widely observed traditions, with a rich history and a variety of cultural practices, including traditional dances known as Bon Odori.

In this blog, I will explain what kind of festival Obon is, what Bon Odori is, and the famous Bon Odoris.

Dates of Obon Festival in Japan 2024

In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from

Obon actually starts on the 13th, but since many people in today’s Japanese society basically take Saturdays and Sundays off, many people have 9 consecutive holidays.

sun	mon	tue	wed	thu	fri	sat
４	５	６	７	８	９	１０　○
１１　○	１２　※○	１３　obon○	１４ obon○	１５ obon○	１６ obon○	１７ ○
１８　○	１９	２０	２１	２２	２３	２４

Also, since schools are basically closed in August, many Japanese travel during this time, and tourist attractions and highways are very crowded.

What is Obon Festival?

There are several cultures, including those in East Asia, that have customs for ancestor memorial services similar to Obon.
So what kind of culture is “Obon”?
Let’s look at it together.

Historical Background

Obon was originally an abbreviation of the Buddhist term 盂蘭盆会Urabon-e, and it is said that the culture was introduced to Japan around the 7th century.
It is said to have begun to spread among the general public from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and was fully established around the Edo period (1603-1867)（Reference：お仏壇のはせがわ＞お盆の意味とは？いつ何をすればいい？期間中に避けるべきことも解説）.

Obon has been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years, rooted in Buddhist and Confucian beliefs. The festival is based on the story of Mokuren, a disciple of Buddha, who used his supernatural powers to look upon his deceased mother and found she had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Buddha advised him to make offerings to the monks who had just completed their summer retreat. Mokuren did so, and his mother was released（Reference：お仏壇のはせがわ＞盂蘭盆会(うらぼんえ)とは？お盆や施餓鬼との違いや意味を徹底解説）.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Obon is not only a time for religious observance but also a period of family reunions and community festivities. Many people return to their hometowns to visit family graves, clean the tombstones, and offer food, incense, and lanterns to guide the spirits back to the other world. Public festivals often include:

Lantern Festivals

Lanterns are hung to guide the spirits, and floating lanterns (toro nagashi) are released on rivers or seas to send the spirits back to the afterlife（Reference：IN HAMAMATSU.COM＞culture＞灯籠流し）.

Food Stalls and Games

Festival grounds are often lined with food stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, and taiyaki, as well as game stalls.

Bon Odori: The Dance of Joy

Bon Odori is a traditional dance performed during the Obon Festival, intended to welcome the spirits of the dead（Reference：お仏壇のはせがわ＞お盆の意味とは？いつ何をすればいい？期間中に避けるべきことも解説）.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Bon Odori dancing, with the exception of a few communities.
The dances are easy to learn, featuring repetitive steps and hand movements, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to join.
The dances are performed to the accompaniment of traditional Japanese folk songs, often with a strong rhythm provided by taiko drums. Each region has its own unique songs and styles of music.
I especially like 炭坑節（coal miner’s song）.

 

Regional Variations

While the core elements of Bon Odori remain consistent, there are notable regional variations that reflect local culture and traditions. Here are a few examples:

Awa Odori (Tokushima)

One of the most famous Bon Odori dances, featuring lively, energetic movements.
＞more information here

Gujo Odori (Gifu)

Known for being the longest-lasting Obon dance festival, lasting over 30 nights. The dances are more subdued and elegant, performed to traditional folk music.
＞more information here

Kochi Yosakoi

A modern take on Bon Odori, blending traditional dance with contemporary music and dance styles.
Dancers use small wooden clappers called naruko.
＞more information here

Conclusion

The Obon Festival and its traditional Bon Odori dances provide a profound connection to Japanese heritage, celebrating the spirits of ancestors while fostering community and cultural continuity. Whether through the joyous, vigorous Awa Odori or the serene elegance of Gujo Odori, the dances capture the spirit of Obon, making it a vibrant and meaningful celebration.