Bon Odori festival brings Japanese culture to life in Dajabón

Dajabón.- The Japanese Cultural Gathering “Bon Odori” brought together Dominican and Japanese traditions in a colorful celebration held in La Vigía, Dajabón, home to the first Japanese colony in the Dominican Republic. The event featured traditional music, dance, and cuisine, creating a vibrant atmosphere that honored both cultures.

Attendees enjoyed taiko drum performances, ancestral dances, and the sight of participants dressed in yukatas, while savoring authentic Japanese dishes such as sushi and curry under the glow of traditional lanterns. The festival also showcased local handicrafts, offering a full cultural immersion.

Omar Mukai, president of the Association of Japanese Descendants, highlighted that the goal of the event is to preserve and share Japanese heritage, which has been part of Dominican culture for nearly seven decades. The Bon Odori, traditionally held during Japan’s Obon Festival, celebrates the spirits of ancestors with joy and gratitude. The event was organized by Mukai in collaboration with the Ecotourism Cluster of Dajabón, led by Kathia Sarit De Mukai.