[Obon Holiday] Obon

Obon is not an official public holiday in Japan, but it is widely observed as a time for family gatherings and ancestral worship. Many businesses and offices close or operate on reduced hours during this period, allowing employees to take time off work to travel to their hometowns and participate in Obon traditions. As a result, Obon often functions as a de facto holiday season, with many people taking several days off to honor their ancestors and spend time with loved ones.