OBON SOCIETY

08/07/2026

OBON SOCIETY is honored to be featured once again in the Gresham Japanese Garden's newsletter, this time highlighting our recent trip to Los Angeles. We are so grateful for their
continued support!

The last time they shared our story, it led to a gift of a Japanese Good Luck Flag. You never know how far these stories can reach. Thank you, Gresham Japanese Garden!

Please click the link below to read the article:

https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tsuru_Soars_2026-Aug-online.pdf

08/03/2026

We're honored to be featured in the newsletter of Katharine Lady Berkeley's School in the UK!

Their beautiful article shares the story of a family’s decision to return a Japanese Good Luck Flag, reminding us that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference through simple acts of kindness.

Thank you to everyone at KLB for helping spread the message of reconciliation and hope!

Read the full article here:

07/16/2026

Just a reminder that if you're in the Astoria, Oregon area on Saturday, July 18, stop by and say hello! We'll have a table at the Astoria Column Centennial Celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Square.

We will also have two-day discount coupons for the Columbia River Maritime Museum, where OBON SOCIETY’s exhibit is on display. The coupons provide $2 off adult admission and $1 off children’s admission. If you’d like one, just stop by our table and ask.

Join the Astoria Column Centennial celebration in 2026. Celebrate 100 years of history with community events, a rededication ceremony, and an unforgettable gala honoring Astoria’s iconic landmark.

07/13/2026

Hello, OBON SOCIETY supporters!

If you're in the Astoria, Oregon area on Saturday, July 18, stop by and say hello! We'll have a table at the Astoria Column Centennial Celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Square.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates 100 years of the Astoria Column with multicultural music, food, arts & crafts, and more. We'd love to meet you!

Learn more:

Join the Astoria Column Centennial celebration in 2026. Celebrate 100 years of history with community events, a rededication ceremony, and an unforgettable gala honoring Astoria’s iconic landmark.

06/14/2026

Our latest newsletter is out!

We got back from Los Angeles and are excited to share a few highlights from the trip. Thank you for following along and supporting OBON SOCIETY's mission of healing, understanding, and reconciliation.

When most people hear the word "Hollywood" their first thoughts go to "Beverly Hills" or the blockbuster movies that come from there. Hollywood has created stars and countless iconic movies.

05/30/2026

Exciting news! OBON SOCIETY has been invited to speak on a television program that reaches thousands of viewers. This incredible opportunity will help raise awareness about Japanese Good Luck Flags and may lead to many more families being reunited with these treasured items after decades of waiting. For more information, please read below!

We have a fantastic opportunity to communicate our mission and philosophy to a very important segment of our population, but first, we need to fly to Los Angeles.

05/12/2026

Hello OBON Supporters,

Our newest OBON SOCIETY newsletter shares a deeply moving letter exchange between an American family and the Japanese family connected through the return of a flag.

Their words remind us that behind every artifact is a human story of love, loss, remembrance, and healing.

These moments are why peace education matters. They show us that, despite history and distance, we are all connected through our shared humanity.

We hope this story touches your heart as much as it touched ours!

If so, was it framed and put up on the wall as a reminder of that battle, or was it tucked away in a dresser drawer and never looked at again?

04/23/2026

高山せつ城ライオンズクラブ様にお招きいただき、OBONソサエティ講演会「今だから考えよう 戦争と平和」を、Zoomを通じて開催いたしました。
日の丸に書かれた名前、祈り、願い…。
それは、「誰かの大切な人が、確かにそこに生きていた証」でした。
そして講演の中で、アメリカのご家族と、日本のご遺族との間で交わされた手紙を、ゆっくりと読み上げました。
言葉を追うごとに、時代も国境も越えて、二つの家族の想いが、静かに重なっていきます。
かつて敵として出会った人々が、長い年月を経て、誰かの家族として、誰かの大切な存在として向き合う…
そこにあったのは、勝ち負けでも、正しさでもなく、ただ「人と人の想い」でした。
一枚の旗が、海を越え、時を越え、そして、心と心をつないでいく。
和解から友好へ。そして、その先にあるもの…平和。
この小さな奇跡の積み重ねが、未来を変えていくと信じています。
この物語が、あなたの心へも、届きますように。

04/14/2026

OBON SOCIETY would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pam and Steve Hall from Michigan, who made a special stop in Astoria during their family road trip through the Northwest to hand-deliver a flag that had been in their care.

We truly appreciate those who take the time to come to Astoria, meet with us, and share the story behind these meaningful items. It’s always special to connect in person.

We also enjoy showing visitors our exhibit at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which has been a wonderful supporter of OBON for many years. If you’re ever in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Thank you again, Pam and Steve, for making the trip, we are so grateful!

04/01/2026

テレビ信州さまに二度にわたり取り上げていただいた、
樋口徳さまの「寄せ書き日の丸」の物語。
時を超えて繋がる想いに、深い感謝を込めてご報告いたします。
2月18日放送
https://youtu.be/g4jylJROf14
3月25日放送
https://youtu.be/nWirzDM1ji8

信州の「戦後80年＋1」は、「海を越えて戻った日の丸」の第2弾です。上田市から出征し戦死した日本兵の「日の丸」は、アメリカ兵とその家族の手を経て信州に戻ってきました。旗を保管してきたアメリカ兵の遺族がテレ.....