VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 3 • September 2025

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hoping Obon Has Meaning for You

Aloha kākou! I hope that you are well, physically and spiritually.

At Aiea Hongwanji, we enjoyed our annual Obon dance and celebration last Saturday, July 26.

It was one of the largest Bon celebrations at our temple that I can recall.

It always impresses me that people start arriving at 3 or 4 in the afternoon, when the actual dancing doesn’t start until 7 p.m.

The sun is still high in the sky and it is very warm. Part of the reason might be the search for a good parking spot. Getting in line for the delicious food might also be a good reason. Popular food items like chili and mabo tofu sell out relatively quickly.

Andagi and our famous anda dog also sell out long before the end of the evening. This year, I heard many good comments about how tasty the food was.

People might arrive early because they simply find it enjoyable to be in the Bon atmosphere.

As always, we had a great mixture of young families, lots of seniors and dedicated Bon dancers of all ages and skill levels.

I saw people enjoying themselves — meeting old friends, talking story, enjoying food and drink and shopping for crafts in our social hall.

As soon as the music started, most of the crowd made their way outside to dance or listen to the Bon music — a mixture of recorded and live music with the familiar hypnotic beat of the taiko drums and twang of the sanshin.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the music, dancing and fellowship.

The feeling after Bon is a mixture of accomplishment and relief. Obon takes up months of planning, weeks of preparation and many hours in the few days before and after the event.

Many hands are involved. The temple, hall and temple grounds are cleaned and trimmed.

The yagura, food booth and shave ice booth are set up. Decorative lanterns are hung in the temple and on the grounds. Tables and chairs are set up in the hall and outside the hall.

Planning the menu, shopping for food supplies and cooking the food requires lots of help as well.

The list of small and large jobs seems never ending. Clean-up is a chore (I hate this part).

I suppose every temple, large or small must have a chair or co-chair and a committee that organizes and carries out the Bon celebration.

At Aiea, Mark F. has gradually evolved into the role of “chair” (mostly) voluntarily.

This position requires organization and leadership. A good leader leads by example and Mark is first on the scene and the last to leave.

A good leader is organized. The plan outlined by the chair and committee covers almost every task that needs to be done before, during and after Bon.

Every leader needs people who are willing to help. At Aiea, the BWA, Jr. YBA, Judo Club, Hosha Gang, family members, friends and community volunteers all work together.

The chair or co-chair position is comparable to being the conductor of an orchestra or choreographer of a play. There are so many moving pieces.

Advanced planning is mandatory and experience in running Obon is helpful. When all of the pieces fit together, it is like listening to beautiful music.

Why do we work so hard for a successful Bon celebration? It is partly tradition and for many temples, partly fundraising. It strengthens bonds within our community.

Mostly it reminds us of our connection to our ancestors and those who came before us. At Aiea, we share this message with those who attend:

“Obon is giving thanks. Obon is appreciating family — past, present, future. Obon is the dance of you and your ancestors. Obon is the expression of love and life. We hope that you may find Obon meaningful in your life.”

Thank you to everyone who helps at Obon — not just at Aiea, but at every temple.

A gentle reminder: September 21 is the day the United Nations has designated as International Day of Peace. In Hawaii, Peace Day was established through the efforts of our statewide Jr. YBA years ago.

One way that we can all participate in the Peace Day observance is by registering for the virtual Ring Your Bell for Peace Day event on September 22, 2025, at 8:15 am.

Everyone can register at bit.ly/PeaceDay2025 I hope you will join us.