The Ancestor Remembrance Festival (called Obon festival in Japanese) is one of the most important annual event for the Japanese family. It’s a Buddhist event, and is held over a few days in August.

It is said that the soul of the ancestors return to this world this period. Lanterns are lit in temples and at home to “guide their way”. At the end of the period, these lanterns are placed on a river to help the souls return to the afterworld. This period also often means summer holidays. Many businesses are closed and many people return to their home towns. Flights and trains become very crowded.

【Movie】Japanese ancestor remembrance festival (Japanese Obon festival)