DESPITE the gloomy weather, thousands of people from all walks of life gathered at Karpal Singh Drive to celebrate their love for Japanese culture.
The annual Penang Yosakoi Parade 2024 transformed the area into a vibrant multicultural festival, featuring street dances, stage performances, street food, and locals dressed in colourful traditional Japanese costumes.
This year marks the ninth edition of the Penang Yosakoi Parade, an event that has captivated locals and tourists alike.
Representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai expressed his admiration for the event’s lively and exciting display of cultural diversity.
“The Penang Yosakoi Parade has steadily grown over the years, becoming a highlight of our cultural calendar.
“I am thrilled to witness this remarkable celebration of performances, music, and dance.
“Yosakoi offers a special platform for cultural exchange, allowing us to blend our own cultural heritage into the choreography.
“It is a reflection of Penang as a dynamic, international, and multicultural state,” Wong said during the event yesterday evening (Sept 14).
Wong also extended his gratitude to the event organiser for its hard work and thanked the sponsors for their steadfast support.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, whose constituency hosted the event, expressed her pride in the area’s growth and unique role in fostering vibrant cultural exchanges.
“Sungai Pinang has flourished into one of the most dynamic communities, making it the perfect setting for this celebration of culture.
“Let us continue this meaningful tradition every year,” Lim said, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Distinguished guests at the event included the Japanese consul-general in Penang Kawaguchi Yohiyasu, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and the honorary consul of Brazil in Penang Datuk Annie Chin.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En