Modeled after Japan’s traditional O-Bon festival — a summertime celebration honoring ancestral spirits through music, dance, and food — BonFest has been a beloved local tradition since it was first organized in 2007 by Pensacola resident Hatsue Miki. JASNWFL is proud to carry forward this event and welcome even larger crowds at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, offering significantly more space for performances and vendors.
The 2026 festival features a robust lineup of live cultural entertainment, including high-energy taiko drumming from Emerald Coast Okinawa, traditional dances by the Ajisai-kai Japanese Women’s Dance Group, a special children’s dance performance, and a martial arts demonstration. Festival-goers will be invited to join in the traditional Bon Odori folk dances, which will feature live taiko drum accompaniment by acclaimed New Orleans artist Mayumi Shara. Beyond the performances, attendees can explore vendors offering authentic Japanese street food, artisan crafts, and cultural merchandise, while a dedicated room outfitted with Japanese children’s games and crafts will serve as an interactive kids’ zone.
JASNWFL is a 501(c)(3) educational and cultural organization dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States in Northwest Florida. Well known for promoting cultural exchange and cross-cultural education, JASNWFL organizes popular annual gatherings including the Japanese New Year Celebration each January, the Japan-US Military Program (JUMP), and HizashiCon.
