Stefanie Ritoper is the early childhood engagement producer for the LAist and KPCC newsroom.
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Festivals take place at temples and community centers from June to August and include carnival games, home-cooked food, and traditional Japanese dancing.San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center “We're all atoms in motion,” says McKeever. “We have to do food prep for thousands of people that are coming in.”“Honestly, I grew up here,” says Nishimura. “My grandparents and my great grandparents were actually the people who built our temple.”
“You don't have to be a Buddhist, you don't have to be Japanese, to come out to an Obon festival and enjoy it,” says Jason Fenton, San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist temple first vice president. “Our community is made up of so many diverse religions and cultures. And building friendships and understanding is the key to what makes a community thrive.In the late afternoon, the festivities begin.
“I want to begin to invite people to come to the circle,” says MC and temple member Traci Ishigo. “Are you ready to dance?” As a music instructor, he infused into the celebrations music and dances from all over Japan, which are now central to Japanese American Obon celebrations.
Dango Festival Japanese Japanese American Obon Spam Musubi Teriyaki Udon
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