SUN VALLEY — Valley Japanese Community Center will host its annual Obon Festival on Saturday, June 22, from 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Delicious foods such as udon, teriyaki, sushi, Chinese chicken salad, baked goods and other ethnic foods will be available for purchase.
Carnival-type games for children and demonstrations of judo, karate, kendo, tea ceremony and minyo/odori will be held. Exhibits of calligraphy/sumi-e, and schoolwork completed by Japanese School students will be featured on both days.
After the demonstrations, join in the Bon dances. Remember, this is a dance of joy, so everyone is encouraged to jump in and show their style.
Vocalist Marisa Kosugi of Matsutoyo Kai and Minyo Station will be returning on Saturday with a performance for the pleasure of attendees during the ondo break.
Returning on Sunday is the ever-popular L.A. Matsuri Taiko, who will fill the air with their exciting and thunderous sounds during the ondo break.
Admission is free and the public is welcome.
The Valley Japanese Community Center is located at 8850 Lankershim Blvd., Sun Valley.
For information regarding ondo, leave a detailed message with Christine Inouye at (818) 825-9583.
Ondo practices will be held each Tuesday and Friday night until June 18 from 7 p.m.
Bring only an uchiwa (round fan) and kachi-kachi (castanets).
Visit the Valley JCC’s Facebook page here.