ESPLANADE was turned into a Japanese wonderland as a large crowd, including many dressed in beautiful yukatas, attended the Penang Bon Odori Festival today.
Adding to the Japanese atmosphere were the ‘Wadaiko & Yosakoi Soran’ performance, lively Bon Odori dance, finale of the Miss Penang Bon Odori, Japanese Fisherman Dance, Aikido and judo performances.
Food stalls lining the street in front of City Hall offered a delectable array of Japanese cuisine, like sushi, udon, chicken karage don, Satsuma age fish cake, Laksa Penang ala Japanese, and many others.
While some enjoyed the food on the street, others, including children and families, took part in games and activities at booths set up in the field.
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, noted that the Bon Odori Festival, with its rich history and lively festivities, has become a cornerstone of Penang’s cultural calendar.
“The Bon Odori Festival has a long and cherished history in Penang. It started in the 1970s, introduced by the Japanese expatriate community as a way to share their cultural heritage.
“Over the years, it has grown in popularity, becoming a significant event that attracts both local and international visitors.
“The festival is a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese dances, music, and food, providing a unique cultural experience for all who attend,” Wong said in his speech.
Wong continued: “Inclusivity is a core value for us in Penang. Our festivals and events reflect this spirit, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate our shared heritage and traditions.
“The Bon Odori Festival is a testament to this inclusivity, as it brings together the Japanese community and Penangites in a vibrant cultural exchange.
“Penang’s multiculturalism is one of its most defining features. Our state is a harmonious blend of various cultures, languages, and traditions, making it an international city in the truest sense. This diversity enriches our community, fosters mutual respect, and creates a unique cultural landscape that attracts visitors from around the world.”
Wong also thanked the Japanese Consulate General in Penang for their support and partnership in making the Bon Odori Festival a reality.
He also thanked all the sponsors, including 1st Avenue, Ideal Property, and Teleperformance, for their generous contributions.
He pointed out that the Bon Odori is not just about entertainment, but a time of coming together as one community, regardless of our backgrounds, and embracing the beauty of our shared heritage.
Wong expressed hope of celebrating the Bon Odori Festival in Penang for many more years as the state continues to welcome visitors from around the world.
Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu, consul-general of Japan in Penang, expressed his gratitude to the state government, YB Wong, sponsors, and those who came all the way from Japan to make the event a success.
“This festival is very significant as it provides an opportunity to discover the beauty and culture of Japan.
“I hope this wonderful event will bring unforgettable memories for every one of you, and that the relationships between the Japanese and Penangites will grow for generations to come,” Kawaguchi said.
Also present were state Social Development, Welfare and non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Consul General of China in Penang Zhou Youbin, Consul General of Indonesia in Penang Wanton Saragih, Consul General of Thailand in Penang Rachada Jiwalai, Ideal Property Group assistant general manager Tracy Tan and Teleperformance Malaysia & Thailand chief executive officer Andy Rangel.
Together with Wong and Kawaguchi, they joined the Bon Odori dances, including a tune specifically adapted from the famous song, Rasa Sayang.
The Miss Penang Bon Odori, one of the highlights of the night, saw Madeline Wong Mei Ge crowned as the winner, with Misaki Woo as the first runner-up and Angeline Tan Ying Yin as the second runner-up.
Several state and national judokas from the Penang Judo Association, led by 2023 Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Amir Daniel, thrilled the crowd with their defensive and attacking skills during a demonstration.
The crowd was then treated to a spectacular display of fireworks, sponsored by the Penang Japanese Association.
This was followed by a Pokemon Kids TV performance, which featured several children.
A grand lucky draw, with a Honda motorcycle as the top prize, was held towards the end of the festival.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Siew Chia En