Here is the list of events for the Obonfest August 6, 2022. Calligraphy, flower arranging, kid's corner and more!
Activities on the North Side
Ikebana International, Portland Chapter #47, Flower Design;
3:00pm to 6:00pm
Create your own ikebana flower design with master teacher, Mrs. Nana
Bellerud and other artists from the Ikebana International, Portland
Chapter #47 School of Ikebana. Ikebana explores artistic concepts of
balance, contrast and negative space. Demonstration and hands on
artistry at 3:00pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm.
Children’s Corner with Puppet Theatre, 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Enjoy a live puppet show and other creative games and crafts for children
of all ages. Puppet Shows; 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm. Games include
Dharma Ducklings, 3 Poisons, Obon Roulette, Festival Ball Drop, Clothes
Pin Drop and Maineki Neko.
Temple Basement
Omiyage Shop, 2:00pm to 8:00pm
Fill your basket with a treasure trove of Asian novelties.
Yukata, Hapi and Kimono Sales, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Choose a yakata or hapi to ‘Dance for Joy’ on Saturday evening at 7:00pm.
Obonfest T-shirts; 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Choose an original designed t-shirt in assorted colors and styles.
Temple Hondo
Tapping on the Bell of Silence, by Kim Stafford, 3:00pm
Guest Speaker at NW District Buddhist Convention “The Art of Buddhism"
Temple Talk by Sugahara Sensei, 4:00pm
OBON, Gathering of Joy; 4:30pm
A creation of the first Obon song in English inspired by Rev. Mas Kodani of Senshin Temple
and written by Nobuko Miyamoto.
Temple Talk by Sugahara Sensei, 5:00pm
Kangie by Nobuko Miyamoto; 5:30pm
Commissioned by the Buddhist Churches of America Music Committee, artist and activist,
Nobuko Miyamoto has created a new bon odori, “Kangie” (Gathering of Joy) for use at temple Obon festivals.
Dancer’s Service; 6:00pm
Outdoor Program
Kendo; 3:30pm
kendo, Japanese kendō (“way of the sword”), traditional Japanese style
of fencing with a two-handed wooden sword, derived from the fighting methods of the
ancient samurai (warrior class). The unification of Japan about 1600 removed most
opportunities for actual sword combat, so the samurai turned swordsmanship into a
means of cultivating discipline, patience and skill for building character
Founded in 1932, Obukan Kendo Club is a non-profit organization part of the Pacific
Northwest Kendo Federation (PNKF), which is a member of the All United States Kendo
Federation. Obukan practices Kendo, Bokutoh Kata, and Laido in Beaverton, Oregon.
Beginner classes offer students of all ages to try and experience this martial art. Please
see www.obukan.com, or call 503.381.9015 for more information.
Odori; Tsubaki Buyo Doukou Kai, 4:30pm
Featuring graceful, storytelling in dance form.
Portland Taiko Student Group Performance; 5:30pm
This year Portland Taiko’s classes will join together for a community performance at the Oregon Buddhist Temple’s Obon festival.
Portland Taiko Performance; 6;30pm
Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. Formed in 1994 by Ann Ishimaru, Zachary Semke, and Japanese American community activists, Portland Taiko has headlined at arts festivals and concert halls, released three CDs, and has performed at hundreds of community events and school assemblies. To date, Portland Taiko has reached over 1 million audience members at over 1500 performances at theaters, schools, community events and festivals.
Obon Odori; Traditional Folk Dance, 7:00pm to 9:00pm