WHAT IS OKAERI MATSURI?

Okaeri Matsuri is a community festival that gathers our Nikkei LGBTQ+ community to celebrate queer joy while enjoying traditional Japanese summer festivities such as odori/dancing, taiko, shaved ice, and more!

First debuted in June 2023, Okaeri Matsuri (formerly “Queer Obon”) was created in response to the desire by LGBTQ+ Nikkei for more inclusive Matsuri/Obons, as many felt excluded by traditional gender norms at more established celebrations. Okaeri Matsuri is the first event that centers queer joy in the Japanese American Obon/Matsuri tradition, allowing individuals of all backgrounds and identities to come and participate as their full selves. Past celebrations have featured performances by Drag Queens Gia Gunn and Bibi Discoteca, music by drumming group TAIKOPROJECT, food from Azay, and traditional games, ondo dancing, and Japanese snacks.

OKAERI ONDO

At our June 2024 Okaeri Matsuri at the Terasaki Budokan, we also debuted our original Okaeri Ondo song and dance. The Okaeri Ondo was made in collaboration with Great Leap with lyrics and choreography that honor queer and trans voices.

If you are an organization or temple interested in using the Okaeri Ondo for an upcoming Obon or Matsuri, please send an email to: info@okaeri.org & booking@greatleap.org. Learn more about the song origins and find the song lyrics here.

Check out the dance tutorial to learn the Okaeri Ondo choreography!