Madoka Entertainment presents – Bon Dance Joy
Welcome to the performer profile for Noriko, the vibrant spirit behind Bondance Joy! Originally from Osaka, Japan, and now residing in San Diego, California, Noriko brings the lively tradition of Bon Dance (Bonodori) to communities across Southern California and beyond. Bonodori is a traditional Japanese dance performed at festivals, where participants dance in a circle to simple, repetitive steps. It’s open to everyone, creating a joyful, inclusive experience.
With Bondance Joy, Noriko blends traditional Bonodori with modern influences like American pop, J-pop, and K-pop. Her group performs at local events, hosts virtual dance sessions, and shares tutorials on YouTube. Whether you’re an experienced performer or new to Bonodori, Noriko invites you to join the fun—either in person or virtually!
Bon Odori
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n Japan, Obon is a special time for honoring and remembering deceased relatives and ancestors, traditionally with the hope that their spirits may find peace and attain Buddhahood. This period typically occurs around the 15th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, corresponding to a four-day span from August 13th to 16th in many regions. Some areas, such as parts of the Kantō region and Hamamatsu, may observe Obon either in July or August, depending on local customs.
One of the most iconic traditions during Obon is the Bon-Odori, or “Bon Dance.” This lively folk dance is performed across Japan to welcome and send off ancestral spirits. While its religious roots have faded over time, Bon-Odori remains a vibrant cultural event, often featured at summer festivals.
The dance itself often includes simple, repetitive movements that are easy to follow, with choreography inspired by everyday actions, such as harvesting rice or scooping mud. This accessibility allows people of all ages to join in the celebration. Participants frequently wear yukata, a light cotton kimono, as the dance steps are traditionally designed with this attire in mind.
Today, Bon-Odori continues to bring communities together with its rhythmic movements and joyful spirit, keeping the energy of Japan’s summer nights alive.
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