‘Rituals and Remembrance’ on Aug. 6 in East Bay

BERKELEY — J-Sei, in partnership with Friends of Hibakusha, will present Rituals and Remembrance on Saturday, Aug. 6.

A workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at J-Sei, 1285 66th St. (near Hollis Street) in Emeryville, followed by a ceremony from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Aquatic Park in Berkeley.

Toro Nagashi, is the release of floating lanterns upon the rivers to allow ancestor spirits to depart at the end of the Obon season. Since 1947, the ritual has become an act to honor atomic bomb survivors, remember the departed, and pray for peace in Hiroshima.

Hear from Marie Mutsuki Mockett, author of “Where the Dead Pause and the Japanese Say Goodbye,” who ventured on her own journey of grief.

Learn about the Japanese rituals of remembrance, hear from hibakusha (A-bomb survivors), and create your own floating lantern to remember a loved one.

Then join J-Sei participants at the Berkeley Japanese Floating Lantern Festival. Those unable to join can have their lanterns released upon the bay and photographed by J-Sei.

For more information, call (510) 654-4000 or visit www.j-sei.org.