bon odori

JAPAN CLUB OF VICTORIA MARCH 2003
“Bon-odori” is a Japanese traditional summer dance festival. The dance is very simple, you can learn within a few minutes practice! It’s absolutely fun! ”Yukata is a Japanese informal summer kimono. You can see many beautiful competitors from the Yukata competition!
Click on the images to see a larger version.



During summer evenings everywhere in Japan, the local community enjoys Bon-Odori (dance) in the near-by park or playground. This tradition was originated when the farmers thanked the Rice Paddock God for the good summer crop. The Dance movement is simple and repetitive. Of course you can learn these dances at any age!

Taiko Drums
Taiko drums will inspire your movement.








Mikoshi
This year there was a Mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) on display and carried as part of the festival. This was clearly very popular with the children.




Stalls
This year for first time the JCV Bon Odori festival included food and retail stalls. People attending the festival could enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch or buy traditional Japanese merchandise from retailers.
(Left) Oriental Artifacts




Modern Japanese Music
This year there was even some modern Japanese music from a local Japanese band.








REPORT: 2003 YUKATA COMPETITION
The Yukata competition is part of the Bon Odori festival. With more Japanese girls entering the traditional Japanese fashion competition this year the competition was always going to be hot! See the results and many high resolution pictures of Yukata. More.


See also the 2002 JCV Bon Odori Festival