Now "Obon" period in Japan

In Japan we have the period called “Obon” in this season. The Obon period is deeply related to Buddhism. It’s said that dead ancestors come back to this world in this Obon period.

We definitely visit our cemeteries in the Obon period. And we sweep tombs and pray for ancestors there. This has been a traditional practice since ancient times.

Additionally, we have the folk dance festivals called “Bon-odori” in this term. “Bon-odori” festival is the most popular dance festival in Japan. Because the pandemic is over, we have so many “Bon-odori” festivals everywhere in Japan this year.

This season is the period when it’s hottest in Japan. The highest temperature arrives at the highest level a year. And the sky is colored deep blue.

My mother made traditional sushi

Maybe you know Japanese sushi, and perhaps it's the type of rice ball. You may have seen raw fish put on a small rice ball. But we have another type of sushi called Chirashi-sushi. It's a rice dish put on a saucer. My mother often makes this type of sushi using a big leaf instead of a saucer. This is a very very traditional type and made in the countryside in my region. We can eat it only in June or July because we cannot get these leaves this season only. You will feel the smell of leaves when you eat this sushi.

Sakura is in bloom now

Sakura is the most beloved flower for Japanese people. This year, at last this flower started to bloom. It’s earlier than usual. When sakura starts to bloom, many Japanese people cannot stay calm. It’s because they want to go out to look at it as soon as possible. It’s me too. And we have many kinds of food attached with the name of sakura. This is called “Sakura mochi”, it would be very beautiful, right?