Japanese expat pays tribute to beloved great-uncle with inaugural festival

Ever since he was a young boy growing up in Tokyo, YuhitoAdachi has had a special place in his heart forthe Bon Odorifestival.

He remembers visiting his beloved great-uncle every year, watching his painstaking preparations for the traditional summer celebration that dates back to the 11th century.

"He was always kind of my hero," said Adachi, who moved from Japan to Winnipeg 4 years ago.

When he learned his great-uncle was dying of cancer last year, Adachi wanted to return to Japan to attend one last festival. But his great-uncle, who he describes as "brave and strong," had different ideas.

"He said, 'You know what, instead of coming back to Japan, why don't you just start your festival over there?"

So that's what he did.

On Saturday, the Burton Cummings Community Centre will host Winnipeg's first Bon Odorifestival. What began centuries ago as a religious celebration featuring a mixture of Buddhism and Shintoism has become a more secular community event, with dancing, drumming and Japanese food and drink.

Along with his great-uncle's wishes, Adachi said he was also motivated by a desire to help young expats, like himself, connect with the local Japanese community. When he arrived in Winnipeg,he said it took him a while to discoverthe Japanese Cultural Centre, which has come to play a big role in helping him adjust to his new home.

"What I wanted to do here through this event was to gather Japanese people and Japanese culture lovers and let them know that there is a Japanese Cultural Centre and a Japanese community."

Non-Japanese welcome

Although Bon Odori is a Japanese festival, Adachi says non-Japanese people are very welcome to come enjoy the entertainment, imported beer and street food, including yakitori(barbecued chicken), yakisoba (fried noodles) and takoyaki (battered octopus).

Even though he's only 27, Adachisaid he was confident he would be able to help organize this new event in his new home. For that, he thanks his great-uncle, who died last year.

"I already kind of know what we have to do, even though it's a different country," saidAdachi. "It's the system he created. If I follow, I actually [am] able to make it happen.

"He's happy, I think, because Bon Odori was very significant to him, too."

The Bon Odori festival begins Saturday at 4 p.m. and wraps up at 9. Entry is free.