Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members attended Camp Zama's 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. More than 1,000 people gathered around the Bon Dance Tower and performed the traditional "Bon" dance, i...
Camp Zama's 55th annual Bon Odori Festival was held Aug. 2, 2014, with nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members visiting Camp Zama, Japan, for this event. There was "Bon" dancing, food, live music, games and other entertainment. A firew...
Col. Joy Curriera and Command Sgt. Maj. Katrina M. Najee, commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, respectively, join more than 1,000 community members, American and Japanese, as they perform the traditional "Bon" dance aroun...
Thousands of fireworks light up the night sky to conclude the 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members attended the festival, which had dancing, live entertainment, ...
A comedic magician entertains a community member during a performance at the 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members attended the festival, which had dancing, live ...
Members of the U.S. Army Japan Band perform a selection of songs during the 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members attended the festival, which had dancing, live e...
Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members attended Camp Zama's 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. More than 1,000 people gathered around the Bon Dance Tower and performed the traditional "Bon" dance, i...
Several community members, American and Japanese, perform the traditional "Bon" dance on and around the Bon Dance Tower, during the 55th annual Bon Odori Festival, held Aug. 2, 2014, on Camp Zama, Japan. Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community ...
CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Aug 6, 2014) -- Nearly 28,000 Japanese and American community members from the local area attended Camp Zama's 55th annual "Bon Odori" festival, held here, Saturday.
Col. Joy Curriera, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, said that it is events like Bon Odori, when the installation is open to allow people who rarely get a chance to see what it's like being on an Army installation.
"We love to host this event," said Curriera., "It is a very special event."
The Bon Odori Festival is open-post event that Camp Zama holds annually, drawing more visitors than any other open-post event. The festival is co-hosted with Camp Zama's Japanese counterparts from the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force.
Bon season is a Buddhist holiday that honors the departed spirits of one's ancestors. The tradition dates back more than 500 years. Many of the participants danced while wearing traditional Japanese summer kimonos, or "yukatas," after having learned the moves from volunteer instructors who offered free lessons in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to taste a variety of foods, watch the live entertainment, and participate in several games.
Freddie L. Giddens, deputy commander of USAG-J, said this event is a large integration of the local (Japanese) community coming on post providing their culture, and American Soldiers, civilians and family members getting a chance to participate in it.
"What makes this work so well is communication," said Giddens.
The official ceremony began later in the evening, and after opening remarks from Curriera, more than 1, 000 people performed the traditional Bon dance together, around the ceremonial "Bon" dance tower.
"I am very proud that we can bring this type of event, here to Camp Zama," said Curriera.
A fireworks display was held to conclude the evening.
Related Links:
Japanese 'Bon Odori' Festival at Camp Zama draws 26,000 visitors
Camp Zama's Bon Odori Festival strengthens friendship with local community
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