THE Penang Yosakoi Parade returned to Karpal Singh Drive for the second consecutive year, bringing joyous Japanese street dancing and other lively cultural activities to the city.
Thousands of festival-goers were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
The parade of cultures featured a variety of Malaysian cultural activities, commencing as early as 6pm in celebration of Malaysia Day.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who attended the event last night, expressed her delight at witnessing this colourful occasion in her constituency.
“This is the second time we are collaborating with the Pink Hibiscus Club and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to celebrate the friendship between Malaysia and Japan.
“This year’s event is especially exciting, featuring over 33 performances to entertain the crowd. In addition, we have a Sakura Fubuki concert and a challenge to hold the biggest group dance in the country.
“After all, Penang is a truly culturally diverse city that embraces multirulculturalism,” she said in her speech before opening the event last night.
Prior to its event in Karpal Singh Drive last year, the Yosakoi Parade had been held at Esplanade since 2013.
Among the notable attendees were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and consul-general of Japan in Penang Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting