During the summer of 1932, Seattle's first Bon Odori festival was held by the Seattle Buddhist Church (Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple). Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese style of dancing performed during Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance celebrates selfless giving and expresses gratitude to departed family members and ancestors. Over the years, the annual open-to-all event has grown to include flower and craft exhibits, musical performances, food booths, demonstrations, and other activities. Bon Odori is officially part of Seafair, Seattle's ten-week-long summer festival of neighborhood and community celebrations.
In this image instructor Kiki Hagimori leads a practice session for Corey Ojima, age 3 1/2, and others who want to participate in the upcoming Bon Odori at the Seattle Buddhist Church in the Chinatown International District neighborhood. Ms. Hagimori is wearing a traditional Japanese kimono with obi, as well as zōri sandals and tabi socks.
Caption information source: "Seattle Buddhist Church is dedicated on October 4, 1941," by Margaret Riddle, HistoryLink.org Essay 10785. Caption information source: "Come dance with me," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 21, 1983, page 46.
