Okuribi Ceremony

festival on August 16, people do Okuribi or "send-off fire" ceremony.

It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during OBon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world.

In my home town, people put expired Ofuda in an old rice cooking pot, then set fire on them.

The Ofuda is customarily renewed annually before the end of a year, and then attached to a door, pillar, or ceiling. It may also be placed inside a private shrine. It is believed to protect the family in residence from general harm, such as a disease. 

A portable form of Ofuda, commonly called Omamori is typically wrapped in a small bag made of decorated cloth.

I Stay in My Mother's Home

For just one week, I stayed in my mother's home in my hometown.

I met my old friends, went shopping with my family, visited my father's grave and took lots and lots of pictures.

I only go back to my hometown once a year though, whenever I may go, I always feel at home with my mom, brother and sister-in-law.

Overnight Bus Trip to Shimane

I had jumped into an overnight bus heading to Shimane prefecture and here came back to my hometown Matsue city yesterday.

Now, we are in the middle of summer holiday or Obon season in Japan. 

Obon is a Buddhist festival to honor ancestral spirits in Japan.

It is believed these spirits return to their families during the period.

Statue of Liberty from the Hudson River

It was more than one year ago, time really flies, when my wife and I joined a tour called the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.

Seeing Statue of Liberty from the Hudson River became one of my precious memories while staying in New York.