As the pandemic continues to restrict travel and gatherings in Japan, many are reimagining their Obon celebrations rather than returning home. Obon, a traditional Japanese holiday, usually involves traveling back to one's ancestral home to honor deceased family members. However, amid rising domestic COVID-19 cases, Japanese citizens are transforming their Obon holidays to adapt to the new normal by celebrating it without going back to their family homes.

In Japan, the Obon holiday carries significant cultural importance as it's a time when families across the nation come together to honor their ancestors. The majority of Japanese people would take extended holidays to travel back to their ancestral homes, spending time with their families. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic situation, travel restrictions have forced people to reconsider their plans and adapt to these new circumstances without diluting the sanctity of Obon.

In comparison to Japan’s Obon tradition, the American tradition of Thanksgiving or Europeans' Christian holidays like Christmas are similarly treated as important family gathering times. While different in purpose, they similarly involve travel back to family homes. The challenges brought on by the pandemic to these traditions are similar across all these cultures, driving the need for a safe and innovative approach to celebrate cherished holiday traditions.