Photos: San Jose’s Obon Festival draws hundreds to Japantown

San Jose’s colorful annual Obon Festival drew hundreds of people to Japantown this weekend.

The festival is the largest of its kind in the United States and is sponsored by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.

The Obon festival is an annual traditional “to remember and honor those who have provided us with a strong and lasting foundation,” according to the church’s website. Community members, many dressed for the occasion in kimonos and other Japanese attire, gathered to enjoy games, music, performances, and a sampling of Japanese food, beer and sake.

Rinban Gerald Sakamoto, the head minister of the church which organizes the event, is leading it for the last time as he’s retiring after 39 years.

The festival’s main attraction is the traditional Bon Odori, in which hundreds of people perform a community dance. The dance opens and closes with gassho, a prayer to the Buddha, by the head minister.

San Jose’s Japantown is one of only three left in the United States, making the festival and its traditions that much more significant.

The Bon Odori dance will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday night if you’re interested in attending.