WEBVTT

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^- [Shelby] In Japanese culture they believe that the spirits

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of one's ancestors return to the living world every summer.

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Sailors in Sasebo joined the local community

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to honor the dead at the annual Obon Festival.

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- We believe the deceased people including ancestors,

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they are coming home for three days.

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^On the 13th of August, we make the Obon fire

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to welcome those people who's coming home

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and the 15th today we are sending them back.

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- [Shelby] Participants send special lanterns

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down Sasebo River to guide the spirits

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back to the other side.

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After honoring the dead,

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Americans and Japanese alike

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return home with a better understanding of one another

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and a much closer bond.

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Petty Officer Shelby Tucker,

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activities, Sasebo, Japan.