Claire Ohara and other drummers kept the beat during Bon Odori.
Volunteers cook teriyaki.
Attendees lined up to order and pay for food.
A long line for dango.
People of all ages paricipated in Bon Odori.
Some of the dances required an uchiwa or round fan.
Japanese clothing was not required to participate in Bon Odori.
Many dancers wore colorful yukata or summer kimono.
Dances included Nobuko Miyamoto’s “Bambutsu no Tsunagari” (10,000 Things, All Connected).
Naomi Mekaru was among the dance instructors.
The dance circle took up one block of Halldale Avenue.
Some dancers wore Shohei Ohtani jerseys.
Dancers from around Southern California participated in Bon Odori.
A contingent from Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai provided live music for Okinawan dances.
The instructors danced in the inner circle for the benefit of those who didn’t know the steps.
A giant slide for kids.
Bon Odori was preceded by a taiko performance.
Photos by J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo

GARDENA — Gardena Buddhist Church held its annual Obon Festival on Aug. 3 and 4 with “Looking to the Future” as the theme.

Food booths offered chicken and beef teriyaki, Spam musubi, sushi, chili rice, shave ice, and corn on the cob. As always, the line for dango extended down the street.

There were also carnival games, bingo, a bounce house and a giant slide. Rev. John Iwohara conducted temple tours and answered questions about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

Both days ended with one of the largest Bon Odori events in Southern California. The circle of dancers, many wearing yukata or happi coats, almost went the entire length on Halldale Avenue from 166th Street to Gardena Boulevard.

Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai provided live music for “Asadoya Yunta” and “Ashibinaa.”

GBC’s own Isami Taiko performed, and members kept the beat during the dancing.