August 2018: Geiko Ichitaka (Ichi Okiya), Maiko Katsuki (Daimonji Okiya), Geiko Naokazu (Nakasato Okiya) and Geiko Umeha (Umeno Okiya) of Kamishichiken dancing in the center during the Bon Odori. They were performing on a raised platform, leading the other dancers who where dancing around them in a circle.
O-Bon is an important holiday celebrated all across Japan during which many people return to their hometowns to visit their families and honor their passed ancestors by visiting and cleaning their graves. It traditionally includes a public dance meant to invite the spirits of the ancestors, Bon Odori, which the Maiko and Geiko of Kamishichiken take part in every year.
It has been celebrated for over 500 years, lasts for three days and takes place on three different dates, depending on the region. Many parts of eastern Japan celebrate it around the 15th of July, many parts of southern Japan celebrate it around the 15th of August, and some places celebrate it on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, which differs every year. O-Bon is not a public holiday, but most people get these three days off.
Source: H. Ishibashi on Instagram
