The Japanese American Association of Lane County held its 34th annual Obon & Taiko Festival on July 23 at Lane Events Center in Eugene. The one-day festival featured traditional dance, drumming and cultural demonstrations rooted in Japanese heritage as well as activities for all ages.

Tomohiko Tsurumi, a Japanese language teacher and origami instructor, offered free origami lessons at his booth during the festival. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Russell Morton lifts a beaded panel depicting Multnomah Falls from his ongoing “Four Seasons of Oregon” artwork during the festival. Morton, who describes his intricate beaded creations as “built like a cathedral,” has been working on the piece for five years. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Antonio Huerta, director of Noche Cultural, performs a rope trick alongside a dancer during the 34th annual Obon & Taiko Festival. Huerta has practiced rope artistry his entire life and competed for the past 20 years. His group Noche Cultural showcases traditional Mexican dance and charro performance. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Lois Yoshishige, a founding member of Eugene Taiko, has performed at the festival since its inception in 1989. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Ayako Allen, 61, of Eugene, prepares matcha during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstration. Known as Chadō, or the Way of Tea, the practice emphasizes harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Robert Takumi Allen, 22, of Corvallis, wears a traditional woven sugegasa hat and yukata before joining in Bon dancing. The festival featured traditional dance, drumming and cultural demonstrations rooted in Japanese heritage. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Aimee Yogi, 77, of Springfield, dances during Bon odori. Yogi, a founding member of the Asian American Council of Lane County and a longtime leader in Japanese-American community organizations, has helped guide the festival since its early years. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Frank Tokuda, 75, smiles while working at the musubi booth. Volunteers prepared dozens of fresh Spam musubi — grilled slices of Spam served over rice and wrapped in seaweed — throughout the day as part of the festival’s food offerings. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A tea ceremony host in a red kimono prepares utensils as participants watch during a Chadō, or Way of Tea, demonstration. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Joseph, a member of Waka Daiko, plays a shime-daiko drum during the festival. The Eugene-based youth taiko group, founded in 1995, showcases traditional Japanese drumming and has long been a part of the festival. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A festivalgoer in a capybara costume entertains attendees. The event featured food, performances and activities for all ages. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Colorful wooden toys, including tablitas mágicas, or “magical tablets,” and spinning tops, are displayed at the Noche Cultural booth. The group shared traditional Mexican crafts alongside its dance and charro performances, emphasizing the need for stronger cultural exchange in Eugene. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Trays of Spam musubi were prepared for attendees. The popular dish was among several homemade foods sold throughout the day. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A framed fish print by artist Ashley Hoover is displayed at her booth. Hoover practices gyotaku, a traditional Japanese method of printing fish that dates back to the mid-1800s. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield