Every summer in Japan, during the humid and sun-drenched days of mid-August, families across the country take part in a deeply spiritual and cultural tradition: Obon.
Observed from August 13th to 15th, Obon is a Buddhist-based custom that honors the spirits of deceased ancestors. It is a time when it’s believed that the spirits of loved ones return to visit the living. The tradition blends religious ritual, seasonal rhythm, and a profound respect for lineage — all key elements in Japanese culture.
Origins of Obon
The custom of Obon traces back more than 500 years and is inspired by Buddhist teachings. It is rooted in the story of Mokuren, a disciple of the Buddha who sought to relieve his deceased mother from suffering in the afterlife. Through prayer and offerings, he learned that acts of kindness and remembrance could bring peace to her soul. This compassionate act became the foundation for what is now known as Obon.
Though it originated from Buddhism, modern Obon in Japan has taken on a broader cultural role and is widely observed across the country, even among people who do not actively practice the religion.
The Spiritual Calendar of Obon
The three main days of Obon — August 13th to 15th — follow a spiritual rhythm:
- August 13th: Welcoming the Ancestors
Many families begin the day by visiting their local Buddhist temples and family graves to clean and prepare them. Some perform “mukaebi” (welcoming fire) — small fires lit at the entrance of the home — to guide the spirits back. Others bring incense and offerings to cemeteries to symbolically “bring home” the souls of their ancestors. - August 14th–15th: Time Together
These are days for quiet reflection, family gatherings, and often shared meals that include traditional dishes. Altars are decorated with seasonal flowers, candles, fruits, and vegetables. Some families tell stories of their ancestors or look through old photographs. It’s a time of closeness — not just with the living, but with those who came before. - August 16th: Farewell and Sending Off
On this day, families perform “okuribi” (sending fire), a ritual that symbolizes sending the ancestors back to their spiritual realm. In some regions, lanterns are floated down rivers. One of the most famous send-off rituals is Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi, where giant bonfires shaped like Japanese characters — most famously the character “大” (meaning “great”) — are lit on the mountainsides, illuminating the night sky and guiding the spirits home.
A Time of Homecoming
Because Obon coincides with Japan’s school and work summer holidays, it becomes one of the most traveled times of the year. Millions of people return to their hometowns to reunite with extended family. Trains, buses, and airports are packed. For many, this annual homecoming becomes a cherished rhythm — both a break from daily life and a return to emotional roots.
It’s not only about honoring ancestors but also about reconnecting with where one came from.
A Personal and National Reflection
In an age of speed and change, Obon offers a rare pause — a time to look backward as much as forward. The tradition is steeped in family, memory, humility, and gratitude. Even those who live in large cities often maintain a connection to rural family gravesites, preserving the custom across generations.
For visitors to Japan, witnessing Obon can be moving. It’s not flashy, but it is quietly profound. You might hear the soft chanting of monks, see families gathered at graves under the hot sun, or catch the smell of incense floating through the evening air.
At its heart, Obon reminds us of something deeply human:
That we are not alone — we are a continuation of those who came before us.
/Photography by Art_tetsu( Photo AC)
