Ginza Bazaar and Bon Dance July 21, 2012

July 21, 12 noon - 8 pm and July 22, 11 am - 7pm

The Ginza Bazaar is a 74 year old San Francisco Japantown tradition offering two days of games, entertainment, a silent art auction, Japanese food, shopping, camaraderie and more! The highlight of the weekend will be the traditional Japanese Bon Dancing on Sunday, July 22 from 1PM to 3PM, with Jiten Taiko's drumming at intermission.

The public is invited to join in the Bon dancing on Octavia street, led by dancers in colorful summer kimonos -- a part of the annual Buddhist Obon or "gathering of joy" -- a celebration of life and community. This year's Bon Dancing will be dedicated to the memory of Ms. Chiz Kakiuchi, longtime coordinator of the Bon Odori.

Presented by the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, the Ginza Bazaar invites you to enjoy great food and fun activities for all ages -- a favorite place to gather with friends and family. Special attractions include:

- A Japanese and American food court featuring home-style Japanese comfort food including: BCSF's finger-licking "special recipe chicken teriyaki;" sushi, "Daruma dogs" a twist on the traditional hot dog, delectable Hibachi Tofu, refreshing shave ice and much more.

- A Silent Auction with unique Buddhist art and jewelry and one of a kind finds. A boutique of artfully hand crafted items created by the Buddhist Women's Association is another option for shoppers. Book lovers will find a special collection of Asian American books to browse from AACP Bookstore.

- Children's games for all ages, and traditional bingo for all with lots of great prizes.

- Cultural presentations on Saturday will include a ukulele performance, a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration and more.

- An elegant Tea Salon to savor a quiet moment and enjoy delicate sweets and finger sandwiches is a popular new venue.

Visit www.bcsfweb.org for complete schedule .

Official Website: http://www.bcsfweb.org