As we move into Obon season, I am, as always, struck by our Sangha and extended Sangha Community’s effort and dedication. Each year we come together to make booths, cook delicious food, play games, dance and, best of all, connect and re-connect with our fiends and family. It takes a wonderful team and literally thousands of volunteer hours to bring the MVBT Obon to life and the fantastic celebration of our ancestors and family it has become.
Obon is our opportunity to celebrate, but also to remember the loved ones we have lost and hone how important they were in our lives. Even now, as I look towards the summer, I recall dancing Tanko Bushi and Obon-No-Uta with my dad at sunset and feel tears of joy in my eyes.
In deep gratitude and appreciation to our Sangha,
In Appreciation, Julie Satake Ryu
2026 MVBT President