At a temple in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, which was damaged by flooding and other damage due to record-breaking rainfall, locals and others visited the graves during the Obon festival after removing the earth and sand.
Hondenji Temple in Sakamachi, Murakami City was damaged by the flooding of the cemetery in the precincts and the road leading to the temple due to the record heavy rain that began on the 3rd of this month.
At the temple, the whole family was involved in cleaning and tidying up, such as removing the sand that had flowed in. Although there are still traces of gouging on the gravel road, it is now possible to visit the grave during Obon.
Early in the morning on the 14th, locals who had been affected by the heavy rain visited the graves and prayed for their ancestors by putting their hands together in front of the graves and offering flowers.
A man in his 70s who visited with his wife said, "I'm busy cleaning my house, but I think I'll rest my body during Obon. I want to report this disaster to my ancestors and live positively from now on." .
A man in his 70s who visited with his family said, "When I think about the disaster victims, I have no words, but I feel happy to be able to visit the graves."
Yasuhide Mitsubayashi, the chief priest, said, "I think that my ancestors are worried about me, so I want them to visit the temple with peace of mind, as always."