Windward Mall 6th Annual Bon Dance Festival

The 6th 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, ‘Aiea Taiheiji Yagura, and Hawai’i Eisa Shinyuu Kai.

Emcee: Tevita Apina, professionally known as Torao Hikariyama

Intermission:

• Chinagu Eisa Hawaiʻi
• Ryugen Taiko

At 3:40 pm, 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 Takuan, Bittermelon Namasu, Pickled Onions, Cabbage Tsukemono, Andagi, Banana Bread, Edamame Rice, Nantu (Okinawan Mochi), Mochi Cupcake, Matcha/Strawberry Mochi, Apple Monju, Sweet Potato Manju, Flaky Azuki Manju, Crispy Coconut Manju, Crispy Pineapple & Coconut Manju, Party Mix, Energy Bars, and Peanut Butter Balls.

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.

Performance Schedule:

3:40 pm Welcoming Remarks Master of Ceremonies Hikariyama Torao (Tevita Apina)

3:45 pm-4:00 pm Introduction and Blessing (Kane’ohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission & Windward Buddhist Temple)

4:00 pm-4:45 pm Ko’olau Sakura Odori Kai

4:45 pm-4:55 pm Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi

4:55 pm-5:15 pm Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai

5:15 pm-5:40 pm Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai

5:40-6:25. Ko’olau Sakura Odori Kai

6:25 pm-6:35 pm Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi

INTERMISSION 6:35 pm – 7:10 pm

6:35 pm-6:55 pm Chinagu Eisa Hawaii

6:55 pm-7:10 pm Ryugen Taiko: Live performances of Niigata Ondo and Ei Ja Nai Ka

7:10 pm-7:30 pm Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai

7:30 pm-7:55 pm Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai

7:55 pm-8:25 pm Ko’olau Sakura Odori Kai

8:25 pm-8:35. pmAiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi

8:35 pm BON DANCE ENDS