JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~How Japan Honors the Dead: A Guide to the “Obon” Festival~
What are your plans for tomorrow, Issy?
Since it’s almost “Obon” season, I’m thinking of visiting my family’s graves.
“Obon“? What’s that?
Let me tell you about “Obon“, a traditional Japanese Buddhist event.
It’s a special time when we welcome the spirits of our ancestors and hold memorial services for them.
Families usually gather around August 15, though in some areas it’s celebrated in July, based on the old lunar calendar.
During “Obon”, we visit our family graves.
We clean the graves, place flowers, light incense, and offer prayers to express our thanks to those who came before us.
That’s beautiful. It reminds me a little of Día de los Muertos in Mexico.
I saw it in the Disney Pixar movie Coco. The idea of honoring ancestors by spending time together feels really warm.
Do the spirits really come home during “Obon“!?
That sounds magical… and a little spooky!
At home, people prepare a special altar called shōryō-dana (spirit shelf) or use the household Buddhist altar.
They place offerings like fruits, sweets, and favorite foods of the ancestors.
Wow! There are so many different things placed there!
Why do the cucumber and eggplant have legs?
During the “Obon” season, various items are placed on the household altar to welcome ancestors.
For example, shōryō-uma, which is a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow, are made to symbolize a wish for the spirits to return quickly and go back slowly, allowing them a peaceful visit.
Other offerings such as fruits, sweets, flowers, candles, and incense are also prepared to show gratitude to the ancestors. Lanterns are lit to guide their way, and a bowl of water is placed to satisfy their thirst.
All of these items reflect the deep respect and care people have for their ancestors.
“Obon” is not just a religious event. It’s a time for families to gather, connect, and reflect.
It reminds us of where we came from and appreciate the people who shaped our lives, even if we never had the chance to meet them.
I really love that idea.
It’s such a meaningful mix of tradition, family, and community.
Summary
“Obon” is a traditional Japanese Buddhist event where families honor and welcome the spirits of their ancestors through rituals like visiting graves, preparing altars, and offering symbolic foods. It’s a meaningful time that blends spirituality, family connection, and cultural tradition.
