Dancing 4 (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 4)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 4

This picture was taken on August 4, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon. This lady looks like she is having the time of her life with her infant very close by. :)

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Dancing 3 (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 3)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 3

This picture of the bon odori at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon shows the variety of people and animals that enjoy dancing! This woman brought her pup along to share the experience of bon odori, and he looks like he's having a good time!

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Dancing 2 (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 2)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 2

This photograph features the wide range of bon odori participants. Here, older women dressed in yukata and matching temple shirts dance alongside young children dressed in street attire.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Dancing 1 (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 1)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dancing 1

This picture is of the bon odori at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon. The dance track was an entire block long, and totally full of dancers. Spectators crowded the entire street on both sides to watch their friends and family dance the night away. Many people came in groups from other temples, showing their support for this church.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Taiko (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Taiko)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Taiko

This picture was taken at the 2007 Gardena Buddhist Church obon. This is part of the church's taiko group, performing in the street. People crowded out onto the street to see them perform. UC Irvine's Jodaiko joined them for a joint song at the end of their set.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Yagura (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Yagura)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Yagura

This obon held the nighttime dancing activities outside of the temple grounds, on the street beside the gates. This beautifully decorated yagura, or tower, stands on the street, in the middle of the gigantic dance track. The yagura was later used to house the taiko and the drummer, who accompanied the music for the huge crowd of dancers.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Moon Bounce (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Moon Bounce)

2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Moon Bounce

This clown moon bounce was provided for the children as a sort of entertainment. It was located at the far end of the parking lot, but was very visible due to its very bright color. It looked like the kids were having a blast!

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Softball Toss (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Softball Toss)

After I was done browsing the food booths and eating my dango, I ventured over to the game booth area. There were quite a number of interesting looking games. They had a fishing booth, and a basketball booth as well. The picture here shows the softball toss booth, in which contestants threw their softballs with the hopes of landing one in a yellow painted square. If their ball landed in a yellow square, they received a prize.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Softball Toss

The Softball Toss was one of the many games offered at the obon. Others included a basketball booth, a fishing game, and a bouncer. In this toss game, one had to make their softball into a yellow painted square in order to win a prize.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Corn and Firemen (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Corn and Firemen)

These firemen look like they're having a good time. I'm glad they were sitting up there eating, for if they are relaxed, it means the area is fire free!
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Corn and Firemen

Fire fighters were roaming around the entire day, just in case there was an emergency. I even saw them gathered in a circle right in the middle of the busiest walkway. Anyway, they must have became hungry, for they were caught eating corn on the cob in their truck!

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Corn (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Corn)

I noticed corn being sold from one of booths, and felt a slight sense of nostalgia. The Fourth of July celebration at the park near my house used to sell corn on the cob like this, and I remember it looking so delicious. I never ate any though, but I've always wanted to try it. And now, I still can't eat any, because I have braces! Maybe next time...
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Corn

This corn on the cob was sold at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon on August 4, 2007. It was smothered in butter, and looked delicious. Many people were walking around with them, including the fire fighters that were on duty!

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Auditorium (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Auditorium)

Here lies proof of the popularity of the udon.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Auditorium

This is the auditorium of the Gardena Buddhist Church during their 2007 obon. It was full the entire time I was there. The udon and the sushi were being sold from inside this building, and it was one of the only places one could sit down to eat.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Barbeque (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Barbeque)

I sort of snooped around the obon grounds, and I discovered some behind-the-scenes action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is where the magic happens. If it weren't for these guys, we wouldn't have had our much anticipated teriyaki beef plates!
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Barbeque

This picture was taken "behind the scenes" at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon on August 4, 2007. Here, the cooking process is revealed! This is where the beef in the teriyaki beef plates came from!

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Teriyaki Beef Plate (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Teriyaki Beef Plate)

Often times, teriyaki beef dishes will come with rice and a vegetable side dish. Gardena's teriyaki beef was no different. It was delicious.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Teriyaki Beef Plate

This is the teriyaki beef plate sold at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon on August 4, 2007. As you can see, the plate includes rice and a veggie side. It looked so good.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Teriyaki Beef Booth (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Teriyaki Beef Booth)

I was not surprised to see a booth selling teriyaki beef in some way, shape or form. I've never been to an obon that didn't have this for sale. I was, however, very excited to see this booth, because I was hungry. This line was the second longest at the entire obon, coming in after the dango booth's line.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Teriyaki Beef Booth

Teriyaki beef is common and popular at obons throughout Southern California. Sometimes it is served on a platter, sometimes in a bowl. I've even see it served in a box. However it's served, it always includes rice and some sort of side vegetable. And, it is delicious.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Tamale (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Tamale)

This tamale looks so good. It was smothered in chili, which is something that I've only seen done once before, at the Higashi obon in Little Tokyo. I think it's a really tasty invention!
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Tamale

Tamales were sold at the 2007 Gardena Buddhist Church obon. The tamale is traditionally Native American, and is made primarily from cornmeal. The inside can be stuffed with chicken, beef, pork or anything else one desires. This tamale is smothered in chile.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Tamale Booth (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Tamale Booth)

I always find the tamale booth intriguing, because it sells a food item that is not traditionally Japanese. I think the idea of combining different cultures through food is a wonderful one, and wonderful for the taste buds!
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Tamale Booth

The Gardena Buddhist Church obon had a very constant long line at the tamale booth. It was nice to see this non-Japanese food be so popular at this very Japanese American festival. And, according to frequent obon attendees, tamales are actually pretty popular at obons throughout Southern California.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Dango (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dango)

Of course! Waiting in line for dango seemed like nothing once I was able to eat it. It was delicious, just like I had imagined it to be. :)
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dango

This is dango, a sweet, deep-fried treat for the taste buds. As you can see, it resembles a doughnut hole, but it's a bit larger, and it's not as sweet. Dango is traditionally smaller, and not fried. It is usually made from rice flour, which makes it very sticky and very filling.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Dango Booth (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dango Booth)

Encountering the dango booth was a bittersweet experience on Saturday. Although I had waited all week for it, the line to the booth was so long. It was, by far, the longest line in the whole place. I debated whether or not to stand in it. I asked myself, "Is it really worth it?"
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Dango Booth

This picture was taken at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon on August 4, 2007. The dango booth was extremely popular that day, and probably just as popular the next day as well. Dango sort of resembles a doughnut hole, except it is less sugary, and a little bigger.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Udon (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Udon)

It was difficult to find a place to sit in the auditorium, for it was full of people for most of the day. The line to purchase udon had formed along one of the walls, and was blocking the entrance by the time I made my way over to the room. The udon was very popular.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Udon

This is a picture of udon, or Japanese hot noodle soup. The noodles are usually soft and think, and can be served in a variety of different soup bases. The udon at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon must have been good, for the line to purchase it never went down.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda

Udon Sign (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Udon Sign)

As I entered the obon grounds, I noticed this "Udon Sale" sign. At first, it was hidden by the crowd. But, as they moved, I was able to get a quick snapshot of it. The udon was being sold in the auditorium off to my right.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Udon Sign

This picture was taken on August 4, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon. Udon, Japanese hot noodle soup, was for sale inside the auditorium. The room was packed with people, and the line was quite long. It must have been very tasty.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Sushi (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Sushi)

I love "football sushi," or inari sushi. It reminds me of my childhood, when my mother used to buy them for my sister and I. Back then, it was a treat. Now, I can eat football sushi whenever I want! Lucky me.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Sushi

This is a picture of the sushi that was sold at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon on August 4, 2007. It was piled high, and it was going fast. The women were selling chirashi sushi, futomaki, or fat sushi roll and inari sushi, or what I like to call "football sushi."

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.

Sushi Booth (2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Sushi Booth)

As I walked back outside, my path became narrower and narrower, due to the lines of people in front of the food booths on both sides of the walkway. The sushi was so popular, it had to be sold in two locations because the line at the first booth was too long.
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2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon - Sushi Booth

This is a picture of the sushi booth at the Gardena Buddhist Church obon. The women at the booth were selling out of sushi! In fact, they had to sell it in two different locations, because the lines were getting too long to keep it all at one booth.

The Gardena Buddhist Church Obon was held on August 4 and 5, 2007 at the Gardena Buddhist Church, located at 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, California, 90247. The Church was established 75 years ago, and centers its activities and events around the family.