Bon dance season in Hawaii just ended, but that's not stopping Nobu & Miyono of Sister Stamps.

Obon or just Bon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of family members who have passed away.

During the summer months from June to August, you'll find Bon Festivals throughout Hawaii hongwanji missions & temples. Summertime is when it is believed the ancestral spirits return to visit family & friends.


Obon in Japan dates back more than 500 years. Here in Hawaii, the festivals serve as both a ceremony of spiritual remembrance and a celebration of cultural heritage and community. Everyone is welcome at an o-bon festival, regardless of religious background or ethnicity.

These festivals are also known for serving up delicious Japanese foods such as andagi (sweet fried dough), grilled teri-beef and -chicken skewers, musubi (rice balls wrapped in dried seaweed), and stir-fry noodles. The food booths help to nourish the dancers, as well as raise money for the host hongwanji.

Living here for over 30 years, I've never attended one. Driving over the Pali to work, I pass 2 hongwanji missions and always see the beautiful lanterns strewn up. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a few next year.

In the meantime, you can join us this Saturday & Sunday as we teach another Copic Coloring Class. We'll be using the new Ruche Crepe Textured Cardstock, Sister Stamps Release #2 and Lawn Fawn stamps.

Copic Color & Side Step Card
Saturday 9/3
10:30 - 12:30

Sunday 9/4
1:00 - 3:00

Friday 9/9
4:00 - 6:00

Please visit our Calendar for detailed information. Colors to bring are listed on the Calendar.

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