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File Photo
A floating lantern ceremony, also known as Toro Nagashi,
is held annually along the Ala Wai canal. The ceremony
is a Buddhist ritual honoring the dead.

Acts of giving honor
dead and living

Oahu | Maui | Molokai | Big Island | Kauai

By Shirley Iida
Star-Bulletin

Every year, 75-year-old Mildred Sogi and her friends look forward to summer, when the annual bon dance season begins.

From June to August, they visit Buddhist temples from Waipahu to Moiliili, enjoying the celebration of Japanese traditional folk songs and booming taiko drums under colorful paper lanterns.

"We go all over," Sogi said. "With me, I just love to dance."

The bon odori, or bon dances, are part of the Obon Festival, also known as the Festival of Lanterns or Feast of the Dead.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Eldon Akamine of the Iwakuni Bon Dance Club
performs at a previous Jodo Mission bon dance.

Observed as a religious and cultural celebration, Obon honors those who have died. It is a time to express gratitude to the ancestors so that they may continue to rest in peace, according to the Rev. Shugen Komagata of the Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission.

The story of Obon originated in India 2,500 years ago, when Moggallana, a leading disciple of Buddha, discovered that the soul of his mother suffered in the realm of hungry spirits. She was hung upside-down because of her greed when she was alive.

Hoping to ease her suffering, Moggallana gave her a bowl of food but it turned to fire in her mouth. He then asked Buddha for advice.

Buddha taught him that he must practice great compassion and offer food to his fellow monks. Moggallana followed his instructions, and as a result his mother rose from the world of Hungry Ghosts. He was so happy that he danced with joy, giving inspiration to the bon dance celebration.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Edith Arashiro performs a traditional Obon dance
at a previous Moiliili Hongwanji Obon festival.

The point to remember, Komagata said, is to care for the well-being of others, the living as well as the dead, by giving and sharing.

"This is why during the season of Bon, by our act of giving, we try to save the departed from suffering and pain so that they can be reborn into a better and happier state of life."

What makes the bon dance unique in Hawaii is the mix of people at the dances. Everyone, regardless of age, gender and ethnicity, feels welcome, he said.

Many temples schedule practice sessions where people can learn the dances.

Sogi, who learned the bon dances as a child growing up in Kona, said newcomers will have an easier time learning the movements if they start off with the Fukushima and Iwakuni dances. Both have a fast tempo but they're easy to learn because the motions are repetitive.

"With few motions, you can really enjoy yourself. Year after year, it's the same," she said. "I say, 'It's okay to make mistakes.' Bon dance is so much fun to participate, way better than just sitting down and watch."

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On Oahu

Aiea Hongwanji Mission

99-186 Puakala St., 488-5685
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

Aiea Soto Mission TAiheiji

99-045 Kahale St., 488-6794
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 11-12.

Ewa Hongwanji MIssion

91-1133 Renton Road, 681-5222
Service, 6:30; dance, 7:30 tonight.

Haleiwa Jodo Mission

66-279 A Haleiwa Road, 637-4382
Dance, 8 p.m. July 21-22; floating lantern ceremony, 9 p.m. July 22.

Haleiwa Shingon Mission

66-469 Paalaa Road, 637-4423
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 14-15.

Hawaiian Regent Obon Festival

2552 Kalakaua Ave., 922-6611
Obon festival, 6-9:30 p.m. Aug. 16, parking lot.

Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin

1685 Alaneo St., 531-9088
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 21-22.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin

1727 Pali Highway, 536-7044
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. June 23-24.

Jikoen Hongwanji

1731 N School St., 845-3422
Service, 9 a.m. July 15-16; practice, 7 p.m. July 19, 21 and 26; dance, 7 p.m. July 28-29.

Jodo Mission of Hawaii

1429 Makiki St., 949-3995
Service, 2 and 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 and 2 p.m. July 30; Toro Nagashi, 8 p.m. July 30; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19.

Kahuku Hongwanji MIssion

1067 California Ave., 293-5268
Service, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12.

Kailua Hongwanji

30-D Maluniu Ave., 262-4560
Dance, 7 p.m. July 22.

Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji

45-520 Keaahala Road, 247-2661
Service, 6:30 p.m., dance, 6:45 p.m. July 7.

Kapahulu Senior Center

3410 Campbell Ave., 737-1748
Dance, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

Koboji Shingon Mission

1223 B North School St., 841-7033
Practice, 7 p.m. July 12; service, 4 p.m. July 15 and 9 a.m. July 16; dance 7 p.m. July 14-15.

Koganji Temple

2869 Oahu Ave., 988-7214
Dance, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 4 -5.

Mililani Hongwanji Mission

95-257 Kaloapau St., 625-0925
Service, 9 a.m. Aug. 13; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19.

Moiliili Hongwanji Mission

902 University Ave., 949-1659
Practices, 7:30-9 p.m. June 27-28; dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. June 30-July 1; services, 9 a.m. (English) and 10:30 a.m. (Japanese) July 9, Moiliili Community Center, 2535 S. King St.

Palolo Higashi Hongwanji

1641 Palolo Ave., 732-1491
Service, 10 a.m. July 16; practice, 7 p.m. July 25; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 28-29.

Pearl City Hongwanji MIssion

858 Second St., 455-1680
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance 7:30 p.m. July 28-29.

Rissho Kosei-Kai Church

2280 Auhuhu St., 455-3212
Service, 6 p.m. July 14; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 14-15.

Shingon Mission of Hawaii

915 Sheridan St., 941-5663
Rehearsal, 7 p.m. Aug. 8; dance, 7 p.m. Aug. 11-12; service, 9 a.m. Aug. 13.

Shinshu Kyokai Mission

1631 S. Beretania St., 973-0156
Service, 9 a.m. July 2; dance, 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 14-15.

Soto Mission of Aiea Taiheiji

99-045 Kauhale St., 488-6794
Service, 6 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 11-12.

Soto mission of Hawaii (Betsuin Shoboji)

1708 Nuuanu Ave., 537-9409
Dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19.

Tendai Mission of Hawaii

23 Jack Lane, 595-2556
Service, 6:50 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. July 8.

Wahiawa Hongwanji MIssion

1067 California Ave., 622-4320
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. June 23-24

Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto mission

164 California Ave., 622-1429
Taiko performances by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m.; taiko performances by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko Performing Group and Youth Groups, 8:30 p.m. July 21-22.

Waialua Hongwanji Mission

67-313 Kealohanui St., 637-4395
Service, 7:30 p.m. June 30 and 6:30 p.m. July 1; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 1.

Waianae Hongwanji Mission

85-762 Old Government Road, 696-3125
Service, 7:30 p.m. July 14; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 15.

Waipahu Hongwanji MIssion

94-821 Kuhaulua St., 677-4221
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance 7:30 p.m. July 7-8

Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji

94-413 Waipahu St., 671-3103
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 4-5.

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The neighbor islands

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Maui

Hale Makua-Kahului

472 Kaulana, 871-9259
Dance, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Hale Makua-Wailuku

1540 E. Main St., 243-1712
Dance, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 8.

Kahului Hongwanji Mission

291 S. Puunene, 871-4732
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 28-29.

Kahului Jodo Mission

325 Laau St., 871-4911
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 11-12.

Kula Shofukuji Mission

53 Upper Kula Road, 661-0466
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 26.

Lahaina Hongwanji Mission

551 Wainee St., 661-0640
Service, 6 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 21-22.

Lahaina Jodo Mission

12 Ala Moana St., 661-4304
Service, 7 p.m.; lantern ceremony, 8 p.m.; dance to follow, July 1.

Lahaina Shingon Mission

682 Luakini St., 661-0466
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 24.

Makawao Hongwanji Mission

1074 Makawao Ave., 572-7229
Practice, 7:15 p.m. June 12, 15, 19 and 22; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 14-15.

Maui Memorial Park

Waiale Road, Wailuku, 242-9792
Obon service, 6 p.m. July 13.

Paia Mantokuji Soto Mission (Maui)

281 Hana Hwy., 579-8051
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 7-8.

Paia Rinzai Sen Mission

By Baldwin Park, Lower Paia, 579-9921
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 19.

Puunene Nichiren Mission

9 Ani, 871-4831
Service, 7 p.m.; dance 8 p.m. June 17.

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission

1828 Vineyard St., 244-0406
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 4-5.

Wailuku Jodo Mission

67 Central Ave., 244-0066
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 23.

Wailuku Shingon Mission

1939 North St., 244-3800
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

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Molokai

Molokai Guzeiji Soto Mission

Kaunakakai, Molokai, 553-5197
Taiko performances by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, Sacramento Taiko Dan and Ryusei Taiko, 5:30 p.m.; dance, 6:30 p.m. June 24.

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Hawaii

hakalau Jodo Mission

963-6110
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 19.

Hamakua Jodo Mission

Paauhau Mauka, 775-0965
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 12.

Hawi Jodo Mission

Kahei, 889-5456
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 5.

Hilo Higashi Hongwanji

216 Mohouli St., 935-8968
Practice, 7 p.m. Aug. 1 and 3. Service, 6 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 5.

Hilo Hooganji Mission

457 Manono, 935-8331
Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 22.

Hilo Meishoin

97 Olona St., 935-6996
Practice, 7:30 p.m. July 11 and 13. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 15.

Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission

275 Kinoole St., 935-8407
Dance, 7:30 p.m. July 29.

Honohina Hongwanji Mission

963-6032
Service, 7 p.m.; dance to follow Aug. 26.

Honokaa Hongwanji MIssion

45-5016 Plumeria St., 775-7232
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 15.

Honomu Hongwanji Mission

963-6032
Practice/orientation to bon dance, 6:30 p.m. June 12, 14, 19 and 21. Service, 7 p.m.; dance to follow June 24.

Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin

398 Kilauea Ave., 961-6677
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 7-8.

Kamuela Hongwanji Mission

Kamuela, 885-4481
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 19.

Keei Hongwanji Fukyojo

Keei
Service, 5 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. July 15.

Kohala Hongwanji Mission

775-7232
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 1.

Kohala Jodo Mission

Kapaau, 889-6719
Service, 7 p.m. July 8 and 9 a.m. July 9. Dance, 8 p.m. July 8.

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission

Honalo, Kona, Hawaii, 322-3524
Dance, 7:30 p.m. July 8. Taiko performances during intermission.

Kona Hongwanji mission

81-6630 Mamalahoa Hwy., 323-2993
Practice, 7:30 p.m. June 26, 29, July 3, 6, 10 and 13. Lantern parade, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. July 22.

Kona Soto mission Daifukuji

Honalo, next to Teshima's Restaurant, 322-3524
Practice, 7:30 p.m. June 29, July 4, 6. Dance, 7:30 p.m. July 8. Service, 9:30 a.m. July 9.

Kurtistown Jodo Mission

Iwasaki Camp Road, 966-9777
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 22.

Paauilo Hongwanji Mission

Paauilo, 776-1369
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 8.

Pahoa YBA

Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 26.

Papaikou Hongwanji Mission

Kalaoa, 964-1640
Service, 7 p.m.; dance to follow June 17.

Puna Hongwanji Mission

Keaau, 966-9981
Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 1.

Taishoji Soto Mission

275 Kinoole St., 935-8407
Practice, 7 p.m. June 27. Service, 7:15 p.m.; dance, 7:45 p.m. July 29.

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Kauai

Hanapepe Hongwanji Mission

Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 23-24.

Kapaa Hongwanji Mission

1170 Kuhio Hwy., 822-4667
Dance, 8 p.m. July 28-29.

Kapaa Jodo mission

4524 Hauaala Road, 822-4319
Service, 6 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 14-15.

Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji

Hanapepe, 335-3521
Dance, 8 p.m. July 21-22.

Koloa Hongwanji Mission

Koloa
Dance, 7 p.m. Aug. 11-12.

Koloa Jodo Mission

3480 Waikomo Road, 742-6735
Dance, 8 tonight. Service, 6 p.m. tomorrow.

Lihue Hongwanji Mission

Kapaia, 245-6262
Service, 9 a.m. June 25. Dinner, 5 p.m.; dance, 7:45 p.m. June 30-July 1.

Waimea Higashi Hongwanji

9554-C Kaumualii Hwy., 338-1847
Service, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 4-5.

Waimea Shingon Mission

3770A Pule Road, 338-1854
Dance, 8 p.m. July 7-8.