Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple – commonly known simply as Nishi Hongwanji – held its annual Obon Carnival July 11-12 at its Little Tokyo campus.
Overcast skies greeted the hundreds who attended on Sunday, but by the time the evening traditional dancing started, the sun had come out to bathe dancers in a gentle light.
In addition to dancing, the event featured carnival-style games, live music, martial arts demonstrations, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and service, a farmers’ market, beer garden, the ever-popular bingo games and of course, lots and lots of tasty food. The chicken teriyaki and Spam musubi were hot sellers, and once the sun broke through, shave ice became the focus of attention.