June Miyamoto Donovan of Terminal Islanders served as lead dance instructor.
Visitors are taking commemorative photos.
Children’s activities also included an origami lesson.
Dancers of a wide range of ages participated in the Bon Odori dance.
During the Bon Odori, a drummer played music from on top of the tower.
Performance with heart drums.
A karate demonstration was held on the outdoor stage. (Photo: Janice Hirohama)
The children tried their hand at taiko drumming. Photos by JK YAMAMOTO Rafu Shimpo (unless otherwise noted)
LONG BEACH — The Japanese Cultural Center of Long Beach held its 2024 Summer Festival on June 29th.
The Ondo dance was led by June Miyamoto Donovan of the Terminal Islanders and was accompanied by taiko drumming on the tower.
The menu included beef teriyaki, chili rice, curry rice, Spam musubi, hot dogs, nachos, corn on the cob, dumplings, shaved ice, and more.
The event also included games and crafts for children, martial arts demonstrations, a Kokoro Taiko performance, an Ikebana exhibition, an exhibition by the Center’s Japanese Language School and a raffle.
Participants also toured historical exhibits in the Center’s Dr. John E. Kashiwabara Archives Library.
Ondo enthusiasts will once again have a chance to dance when the annual Obon Festival is held at the Long Beach Buddhist Church (2360 Santa Fe Ave.) on Saturday, August 24, from 3 to 10 p.m. Dance practice will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
