Bon maneki

Every summer, Natchan’s family gathers for the three-day Bon festival, honoring their ancestors in a tradition they call Bon maneki: “Invitation to Bon Festival.” One summer vacation, the family travels to the home of Grandpa Hide at Mount Fuefuki, far out in the country. He is Natchan’s mother’s father, and is known for his unlikely stories. All of her mother’s relatives who come together at Bon festival are a little odd and fun to be with, so Natchan always looks forward to the festival.

    The main part of the story is divided into four chapters based on what Natchan sees and experiences over four days from the day before Bon festival on August 12 to its final day on August 15. First comes Grandpa Hide’s story. This year, he talks about a clever slug and a rainbow at night before laughing, “If you trick people, that’s lying, but entertain them and it’s a tall tale.” Aunt Fumi and Great Grandma tell Natchan stories about “moon paddies” and kappa (water sprites). On the final night, when the Bon Odori dance takes place, Natchan meets a mysterious boy and realizes he has the same face as a photograph displayed on a butsudan (small Buddhist altar) in her grandfather’s home. This is a childhood picture of Great Uncle Shunsuke, who died during World War II.

    A final chapter offering “one true story” tells of the author’s uncle who died in the war as a kamikaze pilot. While this is separate to the main narrative, his name is also Shunsuke, linking his story to the boy Natchan met. Bon festival is an observance that allows people who have passed away to live on in others’ hearts. One senses the author’s wishes for peace. (SJ)