more this issue:
Obon and matsuri season is a time to share our cultural traditions and pride within the community, but let's be honest: a good chunk of that pride has to do with the obon foods.
One of my biggest reasons for going obon hopping is to check out the highlight food booth or the creative new food booths at each festival. For this ultimate food bracket, I turned to the only other person I know who loves food more than me: Kevin Onishi.
In addition to his involvement in the broader Southern California Japanese American community, Kevin is still involved in his hometown community of San Jose. He volunteers at San Jose Obon in the beef skewers booth annually. We've obon hopped all throughout college, and would have continued to do so this summer, too.
In lieu of physically trying and sampling all the wonderful foods, we thought we'd bring you this bracket to keep the tastes at the tip of your tongue and memories. This bracket is just for fun, but we do hope it sparks serious debate and discussion with your friends and family.
Kevin has narrowed down his top contenders for our ultimate food bracket. We're also sharing Kevin's final bracket. As usual, his food opinions are controversial, but food critics know what they like! Feel free to download the document, and share with your friends!
No, we don't mean Christmas. For many Japanese Americans, the food, friendships, and frivolities found at cultural festivals across the country make summertime the most wonderful time of the year.
By no means an "official" list - peruse through our crowd-sourced list to explore the new, and reminisce on the familiar from obon's across the country.
Read More >>"Ei Ja Nai Ka" is a popular obon dance loved by many, but unlike other dances, it's not directly from Japan. Learn more about how PJ Hirabayashi of San Jose Taiko created the dance to be for the Japanese American community.
Read More >>Happi coat, happy life - that’s how the saying goes, right? Check out some happi coat patterns designed by several of our talented friends in honor of obon season!
Read More >>The Buddhist origins of obon festivals pose a predicament for some Christians, noted as being in conflict with their religious beliefs, while others view them simply as a cultural event to celebrate Japanese American heritage.
Read More >>The intense and passionate dancers found in the bon odori circles (you know who we're talking about) are true obon legends. Dance on!
Read More >>The Japanese summer festival season has a lot more to offer than obon. Learn more about the various food and fun-filled events that are held throughout Japan every summer.
Read More >>We've created the ultimate obon food bracket for you to download and enjoy with friends and family. We hope this bracket brings you joy and reminds you of the delicious tastes of obon.
Read More >>This year, many temples and community centers are faced with the big challenge of capturing the spirit of obons and matsuris while at home. San Jose Obon's committee member Matt Ogawa shares how the largest obon in North America transitioned to having "Obon@Home."
Read More >>No shaved ice machine? No problem! You can make granita.
Read More >>Japanese American dad fashion: you know it when you see it and you definitely love to poke fun at it, but you also wouldn’t change a thing.
Read More >>
