Lantern Festival dance (Bon Odori 盆踊り). "Gathering Of Joy"

This event is featured in most anime!

What is the Bon Odori festival in Japan?
Dance the night away at the excellent Saitama Bon Odori. Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese summer dance festival held during Obon (typically mid-July or mid-August) to welcome and honor the spirits of ancestors. Communities gather at temples and parks to dance in circles around a central wooden tower (yagura) to the rhythm of taiko drums and folk songs.

The Meaning and Origins
Honoring the Dead: Obon is a Buddhist custom where it is believed the spirits of ancestors return to visit the living. The dances act as a joyful send-off and a celebration of life and eternity.

Historical Roots: The tradition dates back over 600 years, evolving from Nembutsu Odori—a folk dance accompanied by chanting Buddhist prayers, popularized by the monk Ippen Shonin in the late 12th century.

The Experience
The Dance: Participants form large, fluid circles around a raised, central platform (yagura) where singers and drummers perform. The movements are generally simple, rhythmic, and repetitive—often mimicking everyday Japanese actions like harvesting rice or scooping mud.

Attire: Many dancers wear a yukata, which is a light, casual summer kimono. Not mandatory.

Accessibility: It is a highly participatory, community-driven event. You do not need to know the steps to join; onlookers and tourists are highly encouraged to jump into the circle and mimic the dancers.

It's a Japanese-inspired tradition brought over to San Diego over 100 years ago. Fun, food, and dancing all in one evening. Come one, come all.

This event is cross-promoted with The Social Movie Group.