Keeping tradition alive: Attendees adore Bon Odori

Traditional Japanese dance is performed to honour ancestors

ISLAMABAD: The Japanese embassy on Sunday held a Bon Odori event, where Japanese and Pakistani people participated in a traditional folk dance.



The annual summer event is an important part of Japanese culture and is held to remember and honour one’s ancestors. “Through the Bon Odori (dance), we remember our ancestors and celebrate their presence in our lives. The dance symbolises the receiving of spirits and sending them off again,” said Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai while familiarising the audience with the tradition.

Katsunori Ashida, the embassy’s head of public affairs, played the traditional Wodaiko drums on an elevated wooden platform called a yagura, around which the participants walked and danced in a circle.





The ambassador and other Japanese participants wore cotton summer kimonos called yukata. Though the festival is usually held in August in Japan, the blistering summer heat in Pakistan means that it is usually held later in the year here.

After attendees were given a quick rundown of the basics of the dance, dozens of smiling faces started performing the dance, which has a slight resemblance to the Punjabi luddi dance. Although the dancers were not perfectly synchronised, everyone gave it their best effort and seemed to enjoy the experience.

Later, Sindhi folk song ‘O Lal Meri’ was also played, along with the traditional Japanese music, much to the excitement of the audience.

Guests were also treated to traditional Japanese delights such as sushi and tempura, along with Pakistani snacks and drinks.

Many Pakistani participants also tried on traditional Japanese happi coats at the event.





Ambassador Kurai said next year would mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan. “I am pleased to say that all this time, both countries have maintained a steadfast friendship. The 65-year milestone of Pak-Japan friendship will be well celebrated,” said the ambassador.

Other attractions at the event included carnival-style games, and a display featuring Paro, a robotic harp seal designed to help the elderly and people with dementia.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2016.