A Japanese Día de Los Muertos

As we begin our preparations for our annual Día de Los Muertos celebrations, we remember our deceased loved ones and the diversities in our various cultures that are so interesting and admirable.

In recent years, through my work, I have participated in, and have been educated on, the importance of Día de Los Muertos for our Hispanic community. This is the one day out of the year, November 2nd, where our beloved return to us in response to our prayers and ofrendas on the altars prepared by their family members. These dedicated altars assure their deceased loved ones of perpetual rest.

With the onset of summer, my family and friends in the Japanese community begin our version of Día de Los Muertos, except it lasts all summer. Obon is the memorial festival (“a beautiful celebration of ancestors”) held each summer in Japan, other parts of the world, and Japanese American communities throughout the United States. We take part in Odori (folk dancing) to send “good karma” to our loved ones who have predeceased us. I have been dancing at Obon festivals since 1991, but am considered a newbie, as many of my peers have danced since they were children.

My mother is Japanese; she passed in 1996, and I miss her dearly. My one big regret is that she did not live long enough to meet her three grandchildren. When my children were born, one by one, they participated in dancing Odori with me at Obon festivals. First, they were on my back in baby carriers as I toted them while dancing, I held their hand as toddlers as I led them along, and finally, they danced on their own in their teen and now young adult years. This annual tradition takes place beginning in June and culminates in August. Multiple festivals take place simultaneously at different Japanese temples each weekend. You can pick wherever you want to go. At the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Church, I meet up with friends from as far back as grammar school. It’s always a fun reunion filled with dancing, Taiko drumming, and a wide variety of food. Chili rice is always a favorite with my kids, as well as Okinawa Dango (donuts).

With each passing year, I dance with my children, and I see them enjoying themselves as they dance for their Baba (Japanese nickname for grandmother). It brings a special joy to my heart and always a tear to my eye. They never knew my mom, yet they still know her. Her photo is kept at a unique little altar for her. Whenever we make a pot of rice, she always receives the first scoop in her mini porcelain rice holder at her altar. Whoever gives the scoop of rice also gives her “gassho” (bowing with hands in a prayerful sign of reverence). My kids have been offering rice to Baba since they were little. My oldest is now 25 years old.

Día de Los Muertos, Japanese Obon, and all our cultural traditions are so essential to maintain and continue. These traditions demonstrate first-hand that love and life is eternal.

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