The main purpose of this paper is to show the changes that took place in the cult of the dead in Japan. The Authors analyzed the various forms of Bon Festival. By analyzing the historical variations of the cult of the dead, the Reader can follow the influences that have had contributed to the form of the festival. At the end the Authors showed the first Bon Festival after the death of a close family member.

Despite the numerous cultural, social and economic changes, cult of the dead in Japan plays an important role in annual rites until nowadays. Many of the old customs are still cultivated. Especially, in rural regions where traditional forms of social relationships still exist we can observe cultural patterns passed down from generation to generation. Ancestor worship is visible especially during the Bon Festival, when the Japanese return to their hometowns, and spend this special time together with the spirits of their ancestors. Despite the fact that the Japanese seems to be moving away from the traditional forms of the cult of the dead, the Bon Festival is still important component of the annual rites in Japan.