Panelists (from left) Jon Kaji.

both WLABT members and representatives of other temples and community centers with happi coats showing their affiliations.West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple in Sawtelle Japantown held its first full Obon Festival since the pandemic.

Mark Sanwo provided live vocals for some of the songs and Rev.field deputy for District 11 City Councilmember Traci Park.volunteers busily prepared the food.

who explained the significance of Obon; Grace Mizushima on behalf of the odori instructors; and Michael Amster.Koho Takata was one of the taiko drummers on the yagura.

There were games and crafts for kids and bingo for adults.

Bingo is a popular feature of many community festivals.Those assurances evaporated last spring.

(Courtesy Kenji Suzuki)I was only a kid and didnt know the parents.more represented by younger residents who live in the historic buildings in the neighborhood and dine out more frequently.

But when things start to go wellMM Crew wearing T-shirts by Val Sato.