Better late than never, I say.

Here’s the (very tardy) videolog from the Mililani Hongwanji bon dance held on August 17-18, 2007. It features highlights from the Ukwanshin Kabudan and introducing the faces behind the “Dancing Fools.” Unfortunately, some camera shy members are obviously absent from the roll call.

This was the first time that I was part of the jikata (musicians) rather than one of the dance leaders, so I also posted a behind-the-scenes look at a pre-bon dance practice session that I had with Norman. Sorely out of practice, but the only second string drummer on short notice, I wielded my sticks and hit the taiko to the best of my ability. It was fun seeing the bon dance from a different view — from high atop the yagura — and observing the crowd of dancers below. But, my heart is in the dance and I will always love the kinetic aspect of the art.

The video ends with a quick roll call of the “Dancing Fools” — well, the less camera shy ones in the bunch, that is — and introduces you to the faces that I’ve grown accustomed to seeing every weekend for the past three months. Now we’ll need to find another reason to get together on a regular basis.

I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.

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