The 2026 San Jose Obon Festival
2026/7/16
Remarks by Mayor Mahan and Acting Consul General Ishihara
Remarks by Rimban Henry Adams and Supervisor Abe-Koga
On Saturday, July 11, Acting Consul General Takeshi Ishihara attended the first day of the 2026 San Jose Obon festival held by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin in San Jose Japantown. At the speaking program which included Mayor Matt Mahan and Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, Acting Consul General Ishihara gave remarks expressing his admiration for the community in continuing Japanese cultural traditions and sharing them with the next generation.
Obon is an annual Japanese Buddhist tradition when people remember those who have passed away and honor them with communal dancing in a large circle. San Jose Obon is among the largest of events of its kind in the continental United States, featuring two days of activities, taiko performances, and concluding each night with thousands of bon dancers.
Obon is an annual Japanese Buddhist tradition when people remember those who have passed away and honor them with communal dancing in a large circle. San Jose Obon is among the largest of events of its kind in the continental United States, featuring two days of activities, taiko performances, and concluding each night with thousands of bon dancers.
Group Photo
Performance by San Jose Taiko
