A Happi is a type of Japanese style jacket.
In the Edo period they were worn by servants of
military families and merchants, and by workmen.

They are wide sleeved, reach the hips and are fastened
with a sash (obi) tied around the waist.  There is often a
family crest (kamon) or trademark on the back, so they
also served as a kind of advertising.

Later, the Happi coat gradually fell into disuse and today
are ordinarily worn only by carpenters, gardeners,
scaffolding men, and a few other types of workmen. 

However, they are commonly worn at festivals, and
neighborhood groups or merchants' associations have
matching Happi made for their members, who can be seen
wearing them as they carry portable shrines (mikoshi) or
pull the floats (dashi).











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Bon-Odori (Bon Dance)

The local people gather in an open spot and dance in a circle
around a tower with a large drum on it. 
That's also to comfort  the souls of their ancestors.
Many people who don't follow any other Obon customs
still join in the Bon Dance.











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Obon, with New Year's, is a representative traditional
annual event.  In the old, lunar calendar it was celebrated
from the 13th to the 15th of the seventh month, but now
it is commonly celebrated from August 13 to 15.

It's held for the repose of the souls of our ancestors.
Whereas New Year's is a Shinto celebration welcoming
the gods, Obon is a Buddhist rite.

So what sort of things do people do at Obon?

First, in preparation, people clean the pathway from the
graves to their home to welcome the returning spirits
of their ancestors.  The house and everthing in it are
cleaned, too.  Then, on the 13th, Mukaebi (Welcoming fires)
are lit in front of the house and at crossroads to mark the
way for the spirits.  A Obon altar is also set up to welcome
them with various offerings of vegetables, fruit and rice.

Priests may be called to recite sutras.  Then the visiting souls
have to be sent off again.  Fires are lit again, and this tiime
they are called Okuribi (send-off fires).
There are many largescale fire festivals which developed
out of the custom of lighting fires at Obon.

Most Japanese companies are closed from several days before
until several days after Obon as a summer vacation.
Families living in the cities commonly return to their home towns
to participate in Obon festivities.  So at this time, just as at
New Year's, transportation facilities are jammed with families.

However, fewer families observe the traditions of Obon now.
More and more merely think of it as a summer vacation
when they can travel.



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Maneki = Welcome
Neko=Cat

Maneki-neko are often put at the entrance to restaurants
in the hope that they'll bring lots of customers and a
thriving business.  It is like a good-luck charm.

They look funny with one paw held up, but it means
'Come here, come here!'.










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