Bon Festival is one of the most important events for Japanese people as well as New Year's Day. July 15 (Lunar Calendar), or August 15 (Solar Calendar),, is celebrated in Japan as "Bon" or "Urabon," The feast of Lanterns, especially by the Japanese Buddhists. Recently, most government offices and companies are celebrated by being closed during August 13 to15. It is said that during the year, on this day only, the iron pot in hell is opened for the deceased. Buddhist services are held at temples and private houses for ancestors, relatives and friends who died in the past, and particularly for those who passed away during the past year.

    The particular feature of Obon is the offering of various foodstuff to the deceased. and of course all those who assemble for the service will partake of special food prepared for the day. This is because Obon originated in a Buddhist legend.

    Obon used to be quite an important social event, as we said before, and for attending the family Bon service, such persons engaged in works away from their native places invariably returned home. To factory and shop apprentices at household maids, Obon and January 15 were only two holidays in the whole year when they were permitted to return home to their parents. Still now, Bon season has become a family gathering time since people who live outside of their hometown return home during that time. Many companies provide employees with a week Obon holiday. (Some people use the holiday and go on trips in Japan or other countries.)