Hankyu Umeda Main Store Presents 'THE BON' – A Modern Take on Obon Celebrations Starting July 29

THE BON – Your Personal Obon

Period: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Holidays)

*Note: Some brands have different operating periods.

Location: Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 1st Floor, Kotokoto Stage 12

Related Article: Awaji Island's Incense Heritage – Traditional Aromas and Craftsmanship Shaped by the West Wind

Obon is a precious time for families to gather, whether through homecoming visits or reunions with relatives. From Wednesday, July 29 to Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Hankyu Umeda Main Store's 1st Floor Kotokoto Stage 12 will host 'THE BON – Your Personal Obon,' reimagining traditional Obon customs for modern lifestyles. While honoring gratitude for ancestors and love for family, the event proposes new ways to observe Obon that align with today’s way of life. The exhibition features diverse items across three themes: modern Buddhist altar goods that blend into contemporary homes, unique memorial offerings to honor the departed, and delightful souvenirs for families to enjoy together.

Unique Memorial Offerings: Celebrating Loved Ones with Beer and Edamame Candles

Mini Beer Mug Candle – 825 JPY, Edamame Candle – 825 JPY

'Kameyama Rosoku' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

Candles shaped like beer mugs and edamame—foods and drinks the deceased enjoyed—invite joyful memories. The collection also includes incense that evokes cherished moments, offering heartwarming ways for families to smile and remember their loved ones.

Buddhist Flower Set: 'Rice and Water' – 5,940 JPY

'BUCCCA' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

A unique set representing Buddhist offerings of rice and water through floral arrangements. BUCCCA is a specialist brand offering customizable funeral flowers, allowing you to choose blooms and colors that reflect the departed’s preferences.

Incense Series 'Japan’s Fragrance' – Approx. 40g – 1,320 JPY each

'Awajishima no Koji' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

Incense-making on Awaji Island began around 1850. This series is crafted by 'Koji,' master perfumers who oversee every aspect of fragrance quality, delivering authentic traditional scents.

Nanaho Candle and Holder Set – 4,400 JPY

'Takasawa Rosoku' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

Founded in 1892 (Meiji 25), Takasawa Rosoku has been handcrafting traditional Japanese candles in Nanao, Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, for over 130 years. Each candle is individually made using plant-based materials such as sumac berries, rapeseed, and rice bran, preserving artisanal craftsmanship.

Modern Buddhist Altar Goods Designed for Contemporary Living

MEGURI Buddhist Altar (S-size) – 29,700 JPY

'Wakahayashi Butsugu Seisakusho' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

Established in Kyoto in 1830, this Buddhist altar and goods manufacturer creates modern designs that harmonize with today’s lifestyles, offering elegant and functional altar solutions.

Madora Set (Candle Holder, Vase, Incense Burner, Photo Frame, Bell, Base) – 65,230 JPY

'Kuon' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

Kuon offers serene lifestyle items that bring calm moments into daily life through the elements of sound, fragrance, light, and flowers.

Artistic Treats: Beautifully Crafted Japanese Sweets and Cotton Candy That Delight Across Generations

Stick-style Fruit Cotton Candy – From 1,100 JPY per piece (Image for reference)

'Mitoyo Fuwari-to' ◎ July 29 (Wed) – August 4 (Tue)

Craft cotton candy made with fruits from Mitoyo, Kagawa—known as the fruit kingdom of the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy the natural flavors and colors of fresh ingredients. During the event, visitors can watch live demonstrations of giant cotton candy being spun at the counter.

Confectionery 'Kisetsu no Sagashimono (Summer Colors)' – 9 pieces – 3,996 JPY (Image for reference)

'Usugori Honpo Goromaru-ya' ◎ August 5 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

A brand with over 270 years of history in Toyama Prefecture, crafting traditional Japanese sweets. It offers exquisite confections like 'Usugori,' which captures the delicate beauty of ice on water in edible form.

Dried Confectionery 'Summer Memories' – 1,890 JPY per box

'Etsunoseki Yamatoya' ◎ August 5 (Wed) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday)

A traditional wagashi shop founded in 1778 in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. It offers dried sweets and Japanese confections that blend heritage with modern sensibilities, including retro-styled cream soda-shaped treats that are both cute and nostalgic.