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A summer vacation and festive period, which is celebrated all around Japan during mid-August is called: "Obon" (お盆).  During the Obon holidays, many Japanese will travel to participate in family reunions.  Festivals are also held, where people eat and drink and dance to the slow beat of drums and traditional music -- these group dances are called "Bon Odori" (盆踊り).  (For more details about Obon, please click on the link below.)  This year, the Obon holiday period will start during on Saturday, 09 August, and continue until Sunday, 17 August.  Although a few (lucky) people will be able to take leave for the entire period, most others will settle for taking a few days off here and there.  In Yokosuka, the schools are still in summer break until 28 August, so families with children are always looking for activities to keep the everyone occupied & happy.  Of interest, on 17 August, a large Bon Odori, organized & sponsored by Yokosuka City Government, will be held at the park located in front of City Hall (see link below).  The park is only a short walking distance from the U.S. Navy Base (CFAY).  Here is a description of the event from CFAY's weekly newsletter: "Bon Odori is a centuries-old Japanese summer tradition ... Participants dance around a raised wooden platform, called a 'yagura' (櫓), as taiko drums and folk songs set the rhythm.  The steps are simple and repetitive, so even newcomers can easily follow along and join the fun.  Many attendees will wear a light, colorful summer kimono called a 'yukata' (浴衣), though casual dress is perfectly fine.  Yokosuka’s Bon Odori will be held from 18:00~20:30 and is free to participate.  There is no sign-up or registration, and experience is not needed.  Children who join the dancing will receive Japanese snacks during the evening’s intermission."  We hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy this fun and traditional Japanese festival event.

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LINKS:

What is Obon?

Obon Festival 2025 — Japan's Day of the Dead

City Hall Park (Shiyaku-sho Mae Koen)

Shiyaku-sho Mae Koen｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

CFAY Newsletter Announcement about Bon Odori

Yokosuka Citizens Bon Odori scheduled Aug. 17