FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Join us for White River's 2025 Bon Odori on July 26th from 4 - 9:30 PM. The event is free and all are welcome to join our festivities - from the Okinawan Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Performance, Kids' Obon Dance, Service, Dancing, the Seattle Matsuri Taiko Performance, and last but not least FOOD! All are welcome.

ABOUT OBON

Obon (お盆) is the Japanese Buddhist holiday to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. It is of significant religious importance and is the biggest event of the year for the Temple.

For over 50 years, White River Buddhist Temple has held this annual gathering welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 26th from 4:00 - 9:30 pm.

Admission to the event is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

FOOD & PAYMENT options

This year’s event will include a number of food booths with items for sale including shaved ice, spam musubi, somen, pies, strawberry sundaes, mochi, manju, pork bowl, karaage, a beer garden, and more!

Each booth accepts cash, credit card, and checks.

Donations are also greatly appreciated and can be made at www.wrbt.org/donate.

Bon odori SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00 pm | Welcoming Remarks
6:15 pm | Dancing Begins!
7:30 pm | Intermission - Seattle Matsuri Taiko Performance
9:15 pm | Last Dance

4:00 pm | Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Performance
4:30 pm | All booths Open
5:00 pm | Kids' Obon Dance
5:30 pm | Obon Service

BON ODORI DANCE LINEUP

Mi Kokoro  

  • Sponsored by the Asato Ohana. In memory of Nana, Lillian Asato.

Shiawasa Samba

  • Sponsored by the Okimoto Family: In memory of Frank and Hatsue Okimoto.

Isson Ippin Ondo (2 Kachi Kachi)
Hanagasa Ondo (2 Sensu Fans)

  • Sponsored by Karen Yamada, Darlene Yamada, and Kris Rehon: In memory of Ben & Yoshiko Yamada.

Oyama Ondo

  • Sponsored by Pam Okano: In memory of Tomiko Pauline Okano.

Yakyu Ken

  • Sponsored by the Natsuhara Family

Intermission

Tanko Bushi

  • Sponsored by Sara Perrott

Hokkai Bon Uta (2 Sensu Fans)

  • Sponsored by the Toyoshima Family. In memory of Akira and Mary Sakuma.

Goshu Ondo

  • Sponsored by Georgette Magnin

Soran Bushi

  • Sponsored by Dennis Yamashita. In honor of Rev. Kiyoshi Seishin and Hideko Yamashita.

Dai Hiroshima Ondo

  • Sponsored by Carol Yanagawa: Dedicated to the memory of Kay and Hana Yanagawa.

Pokemon Ondo

  • Sponsored by Dave and Joan Hoskin. In memory of Don Gardner.

Hanabi Ondo

  • Sponsored by the Akiyama Family. In memory of Bob Akiyama.

Dance sponsorship is available. Please contact office@wrbt.org if you are interested in sponsoring a dance!

Dance Practices

First time to Bon Odori? Need a refresher? Want to hone your moves? Attend one of our dance practices before the big day! Join us for a low-pressure, casual practice where we will review all the dances. Practices are at the Temple (3625 Auburn Way North, Auburn, WA 98002) on the following dates:

Thursday, July 17th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

 
 

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