The Japanese Art Foundation and Japanese Culture Center in partnership with NEWCITY, Shubukai and Tsukasa Taiko from Asian Improv aRts Midwest invites you to the 4th annual BON Fest Chicago. Join us Saturday, August 17th at 8:00pm for taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, and festivities at a new location this year, NEWCITY! Come experience a traditional Japanese summer festival here in Chicago!
An Obon Matsuri / Bon Festival is traditionally held in the peak heat of summer when space between the natural and the supernatural world is thinnest. This is a time when individuals come together to remember ancestors and those lost as a community. As we continue to process the tremendous loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcome our community to come together through the arts. Traditionally, Bon Odori dancing is performed by those in attendance to welcome spirits, though each community and region has their own style of dance and music.
Curious what a Bon Fest and Bon Odori dancing is all about? You can peek at 2021 year’s virtual BON Fest HERE!
Shubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, open from 7PM, Dancing from 8:30pm at the NEW location: NEW CITY Shopping Mall (1457 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642). The dances planned for this year are: Shizuoka Meguri, Shizuoka Ondo, Tanko Bushi, Tokyo Ondo, Sado Okesa, Zundoko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Maruchan no Shizuoka Ondo.
Bon Odori is a summer festival for people to come together to honor their ancestors, express their joy, respect, and feeling of community; to create a connection with community. One does not have to be a dancer, the dances are simple and fun!
Join the in person workshops and learn with Yoshinojo Fujima of Shubukai! Click here for more details.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, wear clean white socks; Yukata is not required. Make sure to bring some water.
