A highlight of summer festivals in Japan is the bon-odori (盆踊り/ Bon dance). Each region in Japan has their own version of the dance, as well as different music. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, bon-odori is a way to entertain and send off the spirits of our ancestors and celebrate life. Dancers circle the yagura, a high wooden bandstand for the musicians and singers.
At Portland Japanese Garden, dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple. Come to learn the dances, see people dressed in yukata, and to hear and feel the sound of taiko drums.
Schedule
10:00am – 10:30am – Taiko and Shamisen Ensemble Songs by Takohachi/Kotori-Kai
10:30am – 11:00 am – First Dance set | This set will feature three traditional songs performed by Takohachi. Dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple.
- Dance 1: Soran Bushi
- Dance 2: Hokkai Bon Uta
- Dance 3: Fukushima Ondo
11:15am – 11:45pm – Second Dance set | This set will feature Japanese dances from the 1920s, 1950s, and 1990s.
- Dance 4: Hiroshima Ondo
- Dance 5: Asadoya Yunta
- Dance 6: Mottainai
12:00pm – 12:30pm – Third Dance set | This set will feature bon dances popular in the United States.
- Dance 7: Ya Kyu Ken (Baseball song)
- Dance 8: Pokémon Ondo
- Dance 9: Portland Ondo
- Dance 10: Tanko Bushi
Set One:
Set Two:
Set Three:
Thanks to the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Toshiba International Foundation for their support of arts and cultural programming.
Portland Japanese Garden would like to thank The Miller Foundation, Toshiba International Foundation, Travel Portland, and Home Building Association of Greater Portland for their support of arts and culture programming.
