Members of the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church (SACBC) in Union City are inviting the community to celebrate the Obon Festival on Aug. 9, 2025, an annual gathering to honor loved ones who passed away.
Reverend Takashi Miyaji of SACBC said the Obon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist tradition where people who have died the past year are remembered and celebrated. According to Buddhist tradition, ancestors who have passed away make their way back to this world during the Obon Festival. The festival is held at different times of the year depending on the temple, mainly in the summer months. SACBC celebrates the Obon festival in August.
The Obon festival starts with a food sale at 5pm for anyone who wants to purchase food before the dancing portion. Food items being sold at the festival include Udon noodles and Huli Huli chicken. Obon dance instructor Karen Suyama said most people eat before they join participants for the colorful and lively dancing portion of the festival, starting at 7pm.
There will be a service before the Obon dancing starts, lasting about 10 minutes. Then, participants light incense and head outside to start the Obon dance. Miyaji said the Obon dance, where participants dance in a circle outside wearing traditional garments, has religious roots.
The San Jose Chidori Band will be playing live music during the dance. The band’s Instagram page says they will also play popular Japanese songs. The nearly 20-member band was formed in 1953.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, the temple will hold a Hatsubon (First Obon Service) at 10am for those who have loved ones that died in the past year. Miyaji said the memorial service will include chanting and the lighting of a candle for family members who have lost a loved one. The service will also be streamed online.
There will be optional Obon dance practices held before the festival, on Aug. 6 and 7 at Sangha Hall at SACBC. The practices help newcomers understand the form and structure of the dance. Dance practice is not required to participate in the Obon dance.
Miyaji emphasized that the Obon dance is open for everyone. “The importance about the dancing is about your participation in it, and why we’re doing it,” he said. “We’re doing it in the spirit of remembering our loved ones, and that as a community, we are recognizing those who came before us, and that they are still here with us.”
Miyaji said he wants everyone to know that although the festival involves religion, everyone is welcome to join in every aspect of the event.
He said, “People have this feeling that when they come to a Buddhist temple that it’s closed off, it’s only for the community involved, which isn’t the case. We’re trying to have more exposure, to have people understand what Buddhism is in general, and also to know that we’re a part of the community. We want to not only be supported, but we want to show our support. And in order for that to happen, there has to be open communication with the community.”
Obon Festival
Saturday, Aug 9
5pm food sales
7pm dancing
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
