For more than 500 years, a Japanese tradition has brought families together every summer to honor the loved ones they have lost. On Saturday, Aug. 8, that tradition comes to Bloomfield Hills.
It is called Obon. A Japanese festival rooted in Buddhist tradition and a deep belief that every summer — the spirits of those who have passed return to visit the living.
Obon is the celebration to welcome them home. At the heart of it is a dance called Bon Odori.
The story goes that hundreds of years ago — a Buddhist monk freed his mother from suffering. He was so filled with gratitude — he danced with joy. That dance became a tradition that has lasted centuries.
On Friday, people dance to say thank you, to remember loved ones and to celebrate the gift of being alive. And on Saturday, the annual MI Bon Summer Festival brings that beautiful tradition right here to Michigan.
It is free. It runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cranbrook Japanese Gardens in Bloomfield Hills.
Expect thundering taiko drumming. Bon Odori dancing that everyone can join in on. Amazing food trucks. And cultural booths where you can learn about Japanese history and the story of Obon.
This festival was created by two women right here in Michigan — Kyoko Johnson and Noriko Maidens. They joined Local 4 Live on Friday to talk more about the festival.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.