Buddhist Temple of San Diego held its Bon Odori/Gathering of Joy on Aug. 3. BTSD’s new resident minister, Rev. Ken Akahoshi (pictured), led opening and closing gassho and participated in the dancing.Dance leaders were Ann Ong, Avis Honda, Jamie Shimizu, Joann Hotta, Junko Kajita (coordinator), Kimberly Kruse, Shirley Omori and Susan Moribe. Bill Teague and Orlando Guiang served as emcees. Taiko soloists were Bobby Koga and Ricky Cheeks. Yoshiko Monji delivered greetings in Japanese.For “Hinomaru Ondo,” dancers carried Japanese and American flags.Kinjo Masanobu Ryukyu Minyo gave a concert of Okinawan music and performed “Asadoya Yunta” during the Bon Odori.Guests from other temples included a busload of representatives from Senshin in Los Angeles.Naruwan Taiko, under the direction of Diana Wu, performed before the dancers assembled.San Diego Taiko performed during intermission.Joining the local drummers were Johnny Mori and Qris Yamashita of L.A.’s Kinnara Taiko.Taiyaki was the most popular item on the menu. For those unfamiliar with the pastry with sweet bean filling, the sign on the booth read, “It’s only shaped like a fish.” Other dishes included Spam musubi and a healthier tofu version.Volunteers at the snow cone booth were also kept busy.Indoor activities included games and crafts for kids.Shoppers found bargains in the “Obon Again” resale shop in Sangha Hall.Above and below: The Bon Odori continued into the night for a total of 20 dances, including “Bon Odori Uta,” “Tohoku Ondo,” “Ichi Tasu Ichi (One Plus One) Ondo,” “Tanko Bushi,” “Sakura Kappore,” “Memanbetsu Bayashi,” “Shiawase Samba,” “Mottainai,” and a Japanese version of “Beautiful Sunday.”
