Barbara Okita (left) and Mike Uno were handling duties on taiko.
Stephanie Adachi keeps time for dancers during the Valley Japanese Community Center’s 2024 Obon Festival in Sun Valley on Sunday.
Fuffy clouds and colorful lanterns were the canopy above the yagura
Jennifer Kajiki enjoys the dance with her traditional kachi-kachi castanets.
Rev. Hibiki Murakami offers a prayer and chant at the start of Sunday’s festivities.
At right, games such as the ring toss drew plenty of folks to try their luck.
Anything cold and refreshing was popular on the warm afternoon, including shave ice, as created and enjoyed by young participants Logan and Maya.
Okinawa dango were brisk sellers throughout the day, as were cool beverages like beer, at right.
Dressed in traditional kimono, Christine Inouye adds to the rhythm of the music.
Taking flight are Matthew Wong (left) and veteran of Obon dancing Marc Amba.

The Valley Japanese Community Center held its 68th Obon festival Saturday and Sunday in Sun Valley. The weather was sunny and warm, but not unbearably hot, and visitors enjoyed all-time favorites like udon, teriyaki, sushi, roasted corn on the cob and homemade baked goods. In addition to the traditional Bon Odori dancing, attractions included martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremony and taiko performances.

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