Bon-Odori
Bon Dance

Bon

Photo:courtesy of Hiroko

During the summer season, the local people gather in an open space
and dance in a circle around a tower called yagura.
On the top of yagura, people play the big taiko (Japanese drum) and shamisen (Japanese banjo),
and sing traditional Japanese folk songs (min'yo).
People often wear yukata (summer kimono) when they dance.

Bon Dance in the Edo period ....from "YamatoKosakuesho大和耕作絵抄" (1688-1703) by Tomonobu Ishikawa 石河流宣

Japan's 3 most famous and popular Bon Dance are
Awaodori 阿波踊り in Tokushima, Gujohachiman Bon Odori 郡上八幡盆踊り　and Nishimonai Bon Odori 西馬音内盆踊り