August 9, 2025
7:30 – 9:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
(Rain date August 10th)
Tickets: Participant with Lantern $40.00 | Observer without Lantern $30.00
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia continues this important Shofuso tradition, to light lanterns and float them on Shofuso’s pond for Obon. This night of remembrance and commemoration is dedicated to those no longer with us. Each registered participant will be able to choose if they would like to launch floating lanterns on Shofuso’s pond or simply observe the serenity of the experience.
Obon is a series of Summer events in Japan based on Buddhist and ancestral worship that enshrine and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. Typically, people return to their hometowns to celebrate Obon each year. Families gather, clean their graveyard and the shrine in their house, and light lanterns to welcome the spirits home. Mukaebi is the welcoming fire, or opening night of Obon. After the spirits spend a few days with family, the Bon-Odori dancers form a circle under the lanterns to guide the spirits back to the otherworld. This is the Okuribi, or culmination of Obon when the ancestors are sent back to the spirit world.
Details:
Beginning at 7:30 PM, registered participants can launch floating lanterns on Shofuso’s pond to honor loved ones. Doors open right at 7:30 PM. There will be food and drinks for those in attendance. The cost of $40 includes a floating lantern. Observer (without lantern) is $30. Members must sign in to get $10 off at checkout.
** In case of inclement weather, the lantern floating will be held the following evening, August 10th at 7:30pm
We will also hold Okuribi on August 16th – CLICK HERE
Your donation helps to support Japanese arts, business, and cultural programs in Philadelphia including the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, lectures and workshops, preservation of Shofuso, and much more.
