24/08/2026
Every summer, communities across Japan come together to celebrate Bon Odori (盆踊り), one of the country's most cherished seasonal traditions.
Bon Odori is held during the Obon season, a time when people remember and honor their ancestors. Today, these festivals are also an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to gather, enjoy delicious food, traditional dances, music, and fun activities for all ages.
One of these festivals takes place every year near Kawakin's original factory in Kawaguchi City, which was established nearly 78 years ago. Having grown alongside the local community for so many years, this event has become a special part of our summer.
Walking through the festival, visitors could enjoy classic Japanese summer favorites such as kakigori (shaved ice), yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles with vegetables and savory sauce), and karaage (Japanese-style crispy fried chicken). There were also traditional festival games, including a fun challenge where players used a small hook attached to a paper string to catch floating balls by hooking the loop attached to them. Visitors could also try their luck in a lottery to win toys and local products such as rice and tofu.
Among the many colorful lanterns decorating the festival grounds, one proudly displayed the Kawakin name. As a local sponsor, we are honored to support this long-standing community tradition and help keep it alive for future generations.
For nearly 78 years, Kawakin has grown together with the Kawaguchi community. Supporting local events like this is one way we can give back and show our appreciation for the people and neighborhoods that have been part of our journey.
We hope everyone is enjoying the summer, and if you have the chance to experience a Bon Odori festival in Japan, we hope you'll discover the warm atmosphere, local traditions, and strong sense of community that make these festivals so special.