Bon Dance Celebrates Heritage, Ancestors

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

Molokai celebrated its annual Obon Festival in memorable fashion last Saturday, Aug. 10. Many Molokai families clad in yukata, kimono and happi coats descended on the Guzeiji Soto Mission in Kaunakakai for a night of spirited remembrance.

Obon Festival, or Bon, is a Japanese holiday honoring the return of deceased ancestors, which goes back over 100 years in Hawaii. Molokai’s Soto Mission was founded in 1927 and is one of only nine Soto Missions statewide.

After Buddhist services at Kapa’akea Cemetery and the temple, participants gathered in the Soto Mission’s courtyard for the much-anticipated Bon dance. Centered around the yagura, or stage, and beset to music, chanting and taiko drums, the goal of dance is to imagine yourself moving with your ancestors, explained Rev. Shuji Komagata.

Molokai residents were also able to enjoy chicken hekka plates, raffle tickets and more, all of which go to support the Guzeiji Soto Mission. The Obon Festival is the only annual fundraiser for Molokai’s Soto Mission.