Obon is my Favorite Night of the Year

Anna Tsuchimoto | She/her/hers | Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple

October 15, 2022

The night of Obon Odori is probably my favorite night of the year. I have been to every single obon at the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple since I was born 21 years ago - well, except for one a few years ago when I had already moved into my college dorm (and I cried the whole time knowing I was missing out on my favorite night in Denver). I love dressing up in my yukata, eating spam musubi, listening to Denver Taiko perform, and of course, dancing. Leading up to obon night, I would countdown the number of sleeps I had until the big day - 4 sleeps, 3 sleeps, 2 sleeps…

Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple Obon, 2002

8 years ago I went on the Denver YBA’s Sunshine Trip, a trip that was taken every 4 years to visit temples in Utah and California. During this trip, I attended my first obon that wasn’t in Colorado. What shocked me the most was how big other obons were - I mean, the San Jose obon?? That was AMAZING. Coming from Colorado with our 50-100 attendees each year, I literally could not believe my eyes when I saw numerous circles of minyo kai dancers and the never-ending circles of participants.

My experience going to Denver’s obon every year is probably very different from many others’ experiences at other obons, but I also noticed some similarities. No matter where I was, we all knew the moves to Pokemon Ondo, we all knew the words to Shiwase Samba, we would all make a turn the wrong way or clap at the wrong time at some point. Even at these new obons I had never attended before, I felt at home. I felt like I was with my family. I felt like, in a very cheesy way, our ancestors would be very proud to see us all together, laughing until our stomachs were sore and dancing until our feet were tired.

Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple Obon, 2010

Obon has always been a place where I could see old friends, catch up with extended family, enjoy a good bowl of shaved ice, and just enjoy the last bits of summer before school started up again.

The Sangha would enjoy being together, and it was a way to stay up past my bedtime when I was younger—a true benefit, indeed. Even now, as an adult, I get so sad when the emcee announces the last song, never wanting the celebration to end. As I reflect on my childhood memories from obon every year, it is so heartwarming to see the younger kids at my temple making their own memories as well. As a kid, obon always made me feel inspired and captivated by the Japanese American community. While I still feel those things as an adult, I now mostly feel a huge sense of nostalgia every time this night of the year rolls around. I feel like I can let myself feel like a kid again, and just be with my family.

Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple Obon, 2011

I invite you also to reflect on all of the obons you have attended, and think back to those happy memories with friends and family. I will forever cherish those nights of dragging my dad out to dance Tanko Bushi with me (the only dance he would participate in each year) and sweating through my yukata. When I envision my future 10 years from now, the first thing I think of is taking my kids to an obon, and I can’t wait to see the traditions continue on long after.

A possible change of scenery

Prayer and Ritual