[JTM]

Glad to see there are others here from Hawaii.

I think the Obon festivals here (like the ones held at Honpa Hongwanji or Aiea Soto Mission Taiheiji) are a bit different from the ones held in Japan. There definitely is more Okinawan influences as well as local customs that come into the celebrations.

In Japan, the Obons are varied and are characterized not only by region but also by the type of music they play ("Soran Bushi", "Tokyo Ondo", "Goshu Ondo", "Kawachi Ondo" etc.). There are also various regional dances that are specific and unique to each Obon, the most famous being "Awa Odori" of Tokushima-ken.