[YuriTokoro]

Originally Posted by Koir

Sounds exciting, Yuri. I have some knowledge of yukata and bon dances from many hours spent watching anime (of course). Specifically "Toradora" and "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu". I'm guessing from those examples "bon" is the shorter version of "bonfire" around which the bon dance happens.

Hi, Koir. Thanks as always.
Actually, bon is not from bonfire. It’s a Japanese word. Wikipedia says, “Bon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors.”
Originally, we do some ritual things on bon day which is August 15th. The most important thing is going to the ancestors’ grave and cleaning it. For this reason, most people have a paid day off on the day. I think I need to write a post about bon next.

I don't dance myself, mainly due to embarassment and the feeling that it's not...quite...necessary, if that makes any sense. Being analytical all the time can be very tiring.

Most Japanese boys or young men don’t bon dancing due to embarrassment too. They seem to prefer looking girls in yukata.

Regardless, I can tell summer festivals are very exciting times meant to be enjoyed with friends and fellow festival goers. Maybe someday I'll go to one, who knows.

One of my friends said her hometown is very far from the town she lives now, so she will go to her hometown on bon, and go to bon dancing to find a good man to marry. She is really excited. I wish her good luck.

Thanks again, Koir.