OBON '06

The Obon season just finished up last nite. Obon is a time for families to reconnect during a 4-day nation-wide holiday break. Families gather to pray for the departed and celebrate another year ahead. Many BBQ and drinks accompany the festivities, as families finally have a chance to meet. Japanese work schedules are insane...most people work 6 day work weeks and 15 hours a day is the norm (leaving little time for play---even with relatives that live only 2 hours away by car!) Pictured below are the extended families of Saori & Katsuyoshi Sasaki (my current place of residence the past month).

Katsuyoshi's family ~ Morioka
Saori & I ~ fishing in Otsuchi
Saori's family