tournaments were frequent and well-attended.

a familiar face at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuins Obon Festival.Gordon Mutsumi Iwanaga; my devoted children.

and contributions to the nations traditional arts heritage.The inspiration for me started with the privilege of honoring my late father-in-law.NEA deputy chairman for programs and partnerships.

Its an exciting acknolwedgement that a traditional art form that traveled from Japan almost 100 years ago is now considered a part of the American experience.and Ameriacn Bon Consortium cohorts.

Obon dances are dances of joy as we dance in gratitude to all that our late loved ones have given us.

dear and important friends and community members.NORIAKI ITOAt the end of September this year.

Two sisters were born before me.I would have taken over the small temple in Tokyo and I would have lived an entirely different life.

but eventually married my mother.I was destined to follow him and eventually become the resident minister at that temple.