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
Stay tuned as the schedule and dances are still being finalized.
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.
11:15am – 11:45pm – Second Dance set | This set will feature Japanese dances from the 1980s 1990s.
12:00pm – 12:30pm – Third Dance set | This set will feature bon dances popular in the United States.
Some 2025 bon dance songs that were highlighted at the garden:
Portland Japanese Garden would like to thank James F. and Marion L. The Miller Foundation and Oregon Arts Commission for their support of arts and culture programming.
