Preparing for Obon

In Tokyo, Obon is observed from July 13th to July 16th.

Today, many parts of Japan celebrate Obon in August, following the old lunar calendar and the summer holiday season. However, my husband's family has continued the traditional Tokyo custom of observing Obon in July.

Every July, we prepare our Bon-dana (Spirit Altar) in front of our family Buddhist altar.

During Obon, people traditionally make a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow to welcome their ancestors. In my photo, we are using the crafted straw ornaments instead of real vegetables.

The horse is meant to help our ancestors return home quickly, while the cow is believed to carry them back to the spirit world slowly, along with many gifts and happy memories from their visit.

We also hang Chinese lantern plants (Hōzuki) above the altar. Their bright orange lantern-shaped fruit is said to serve as a guiding light, helping our ancestors find their way home.

These days, complete Obon decoration sets are sold in supermarkets, making it easy for families to prepare everything needed.

On July 13th, we light a welcoming fire (Mukaebi), and on July 16th, a farewell fire (Okuribi). We burn small bundles of dried hemp stalks called Ogara near the entrance of the house. The rising smoke is believed to guide our ancestors to and from our home.

In earlier times, some families would receive a sacred flame from their local Buddhist temple before lighting the welcoming fire. Today, most families simply use a match or lighter at home.

Obon traditions vary from region to region throughout Japan, but they all share the same spirit: remembering our ancestors with gratitude and welcoming them home for a few special days each summer. Nat