Windward Mall 5th Annual Bon Dance Festival

The 5th Annual Windward Mall Bon Dance returns to Center Court!
In collaboration with the Windward Buddhist Temple and Kāneʻohe Higashi Hongwanji, enjoy an incredible day full of festivities for the final Bon Dance of the year at Windward Mall.

Schedule of Events

3:45 pm – 8:30 pm

Bon Dance Festivities

Experience a traditional blessing from the top of the yagura (traditional Bon Dance tower situated in the center of the Bon Dance) at 3:45 p.m. before dancing begins at 4 p.m. The Bon Dance festival invites the community to enjoy dancing along with the festival’s dance groups featuring Ko‘olau Sakura Odori Kai, Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai, along with dancing to the live performances of taiko drumming, playing of chimes and flutes by Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi, live Okinawan music drumming, and sanshin playing with singing from Hawai‘i Eisa Shinyuu Kai.

This year, the community is invited to enjoy an intermission taiko performance by Ryugen Taiko and its guest performance by Ai Matsuda performing the Japanese shishimai.  Ryugen Taiko will close its intermission performance and invite the public to participate in the traditional Niigata Ondo dance.

Tevita Apina, professionally known as Torao Hikariyama, will be the emcee for the evening.  He will entertain the audience, singing several songs throughout the festival.

Windward Mall held its inaugural Bon Dance in 2019 with Windward Buddhist Temple, Ko‘olau Sakura Odori Kai, and Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi. In 2022, Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission moved its temple bon dance to Windward Mall as part of the annual Windward Mall Bon Dance.

Food & Merchandise
Windward Buddhist Temple will feature Andagi, Bitter Melon Namasu, and Takuan.

Kāneʻohe Higashi Hongwanji Temple will feature Edamame rice, Sekihan (red bean, sweet rice), Chichi Dango (mochi), Crispy Manju, and Japanese wares, kimono, yukatas, and crafts.

Windward Mall Bon Dance Gift with Purchase

Shoppers who spend $100 in same-day receipts receive a 5th Anniversary Bamboo Bento Box.  The redemption table will be located on the upper level, during the event between 3:45 pm – 8:30 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025.  One Bento Box per person while supplies last.

Performance Schedule:

3:45 – 4:00 – Intro and Blessing

4:00 – 4:40 – Koolau Sakura Odori Kai

• Hibiki
• Kawachi Otoko Bushi (sung by Torao Hikariyama)
• Sakura Ondo
• Goman Etsu Ondo
• Osaka Suzume
• Osaka Boogie Woogie
• Heisei Nippon Furusato Ondo
• Pokémon Ondo
• Banba Odori
• Matsuken samba

4:40 – 4:55 – Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi

4:55 – 5:15 – Iwakuni Odori Aio Kai

5:15 – 5:45 – Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai

5:45 – 6:30 – Koolau Sakura Odori Kai

Bachi (stick) dances:

• Dodare Bachi Samba
• Nippon Daiko
• Yuki no Daiko]
• Tanko Bushi (sung by Torao Hikariyama)
• Beautiful Sunday
• Nippon Harebare Ondo
• Soma Nihen Gaeshi
• Fuyumi no Soran Bushi
• Kashiwa Odori
• Giza Giza Haato no Komoriuta

6:30 – 7:10 – Intermission – Ryugen Taiko

7:15 – 7:30 – Iwakuni Odori Aio Kai

7:30 – 7:55 – Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai

7:55 – 8:25 – Koolau Sakura Odori Kai 

• Zumpa Ondo (sung by Torao Hikariyama)
• [Uchiwa (fan) dances:
• Don Don Bushi
• Nippon no Natsu Goyomi
• Manmaru Ondo]
• Bon Dansu
• Oiwai Nissenen Ondo
• Aizu Bandai San
• Shiawase Samba

8:25 – 8:40 – Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi