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 event open to all 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.

This image shows a crowd of dancers wearing traditional Japanese clothing at the 1935 Bon Odori festival. The photo was probably taken on Main Street in front of the Seattle Buddhist Church. The first building was at 1020 Main Street, and the current building is at 1427 S Main Street.

Caption information source: "Seattle Buddhist Church is dedicated on October 4, 1941," by Margaret Riddle, retrieved from https://www.historylink.org/File/10785.