"Every year, families across Japan return to their hometowns to honor their ancestors during the Obon festival, one of the country’s most significant and cherished traditions. This festival, which has been celebrated for centuries, is rooted in the Buddhist belief that during Obon, the spirits of deceased ancestors return to the world of the living to visit their families. It’s a time when families come together, clean and decorate graves, offer food, and perform rituals that ensure the spirits find their way safely back to the afterlife.
The Obon festival is typically held in mid-August, with variations across different regions. It is a time for deep reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. During this period, families light lanterns at the start of Obon to guide the spirits home, and at the end of the festival, floating lanterns or toro nagashi are sent out on rivers, lakes, or the sea to guide the spirits back to the afterlife. Some regions also hold bonfires, known as mukaebi and okuribi, to welcome and bid farewell to the spirits.
On Himeshima Island, this tradition takes on a colorful and unique twist, setting it apart from other parts of Japan. Unlike the more somber tone often associated with Obon in other regions, Himeshima’s festival is lively and filled with joyful celebrations. Here, both children and adults pay homage to their ancestors by dressing up in special costumes, adding a playful yet respectful element to the tradition. Children, in particular, transform into foxes, raccoons, or fishermen—characters drawn from local folklore—bringing the island’s rich cultural stories to life.
As part of the celebrations, the island’s residents gather at seven sacred spots, where they come together for ritual dances, called Bon Odori. These dances, accompanied by traditional music, symbolize the unity between the living and the spirits of the deceased, expressing joy and respect. The Bon Odori in Himeshima is known for its warmth and inclusiveness, welcoming all members of the community to participate, from the youngest to the oldest. Dressed in costumes that reflect both mythical creatures and figures from the island’s fishing heritage, the dances are performed not only to entertain but to show gratitude and offer comfort to the visiting spirits.
The Obon festival on Himeshima is celebrated on August 13-14, marking a sacred time when the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. Residents of the island take great pride in these traditions, preserving them with the same care and respect that their ancestors once showed. Beyond the dances and costumes, residents also prepare offerings of food and drink, leaving them at family altars and gravesites as tokens of appreciation and love for those who came before them.
For generations, the Obon festival has been a key part of Japan’s cultural and spiritual life, representing the deep respect for ancestors that lies at the heart of Japanese society. On Himeshima Island, this time-honored tradition is celebrated in a way that uniquely reflects the island’s character and history, adding to its distinct charm and appeal. Sharing this through a photo essay offers a beautiful way to preserve and showcase not only the Obon festival itself but also the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s countryside.
Through this photo essay, I hope to capture the heart of the Obon festival on Himeshima Island and show how it connects people across generations. By documenting the daily preparations, the ritual dances, and the community’s togetherness, the story of Obon will come alive visually, preserving the tradition for future generations and offering a window into Japan’s deeply rooted cultural values."
