Countdown to Obon

Ekoji Buddhist Temple's annual Obon is just days away and will be held on Saturday, July 12. In addition to practicing twice a week to prepare for our performance, one other very important preparation for the festivities is to set up the stage and yagura. With the help of Ekoji's Sangha members we were able to complete the construction in a relatively short time. Thanks to mother nature, the beautiful weather made the event very pleasant. 

The stage starts to come together.

Putting together the final touches of the stage is truly a group effort.

Stage complete and ready for our performance on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

For those of you not familiar with a yagura, it is Japanese for "tower" and is usually an elevated stage where musicians perform during the dancing at Obon and other festivals. Look for a Nen Daiko member on the yagura during the dancing as he/she plays the taiko during the dancing. Don't hesitate to join the dancing and enjoy the festivities!

The yagura constructions begins.

Final stages of yagura construction.

The yagura is ready for the dancing to begin!

Stop by Ekoji Buddhist Temple's grounds for some yummy Japanese fare like chicken bentos, somen, and dessert galore, as well as traditional dancing. Festivities start at 5:30 pm. Nen Daiko will take the stage around 7:40 pm. Hope to see you all at Obon on Saturday!

- Brenda