Arts & Culture

Festivals

The Issei, first-generation Japanese immigrants, brought the tradition of matsuri, or festivals, to Portland. Their American descendants continue to celebrate O-shogatsu (New Year’s), Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day), Tango No Sekku (Boy’s Day), Tanabata (Weavers or Star Festival), and the Buddhist Obon (Honoring the Ancestors). Area churches and temples provide an excellent opportunity to sample ethnic foods and get a taste of Japanese-American culture at these events.

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