Obon Dancing in America: Reverend Yoshio Iwanaga Photo Album
Sacramento, 1930s
Iwanaga’s dance classes were popular in Sacramento and students came from as far as Vacaville and Penryn to participate. The annual doyo buyo recital was held outdoors on the same evening as the obon festival. In the first five photos, an accompanying taiko (drum) can be seen amidst the chairs in the middle of the dance circle. The last two photos come from a later date after the temple members had constructed a stage and yagura (raised platform).
Bon odori with participants dancing clockwise, Sacramento, 1930s.
Bon odori with participants dancing clockwise, Sacramento, 1930s.
Bon odori with participants dancing clockwise, Sacramento, 1930s.
Bon odori with participants dancing counter-clockwise, Sacramento, 1930s.
Bon odori with participants stepping into the circle, Sacramento, 1930s.
Doyo buyo recital on outdoor stage in Sacramento, 1930s.
Bon odori on outdoor stage in Sacramento, 1930s.
