THE Malaysian-Japanese Society (MJS) will host the Penang Aki Matsuri Festival 2024 at Citadines Connect Georgetown at Lebuh Nordin on Dec 8 from 10am to 6pm.
Celebrated widely in Japan during autumn, the Aki Matsuri Festival is set to draw large crowds in Penang, much like the popular Penang Bon Odori Festival and the Penang Yosakoi Parade.
The event is supported by state Tourism and Creative Economy office (PETACE), Texchem Resources Bhd, Penang Japanese Association (PJA), Let’s Share Digital Marketing Platform and various sponsors.
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, described the festival as a cross-cultural celebration that honours the beauty of seasonal transitions and the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Japan.
“This event builds bridges between cultures through the power of art, culture, and community, fostering mutual understanding,” Wong said at a press conference at Komtar today.
“It provides the locals with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japanese culture. From the mesmerising traditional dance performances to the tantalising aroma of Japanese cuisine, the festival brings Japan closer to our hearts.”
Deputy organising chairman Ooi Ean Ping shared that the festival will feature more than 25 booths offering Japanese food, handicrafts, yukata experiences, Japanese home decor and souvenirs, anime paper craft workshops, origami and kirigami workshops, and travel information.
The opening ceremony will take place at 2pm, starting with welcome speeches, followed by a taiko drum performance by students of the Penang Japanese School (PJS).
The festival will also showcase a variety of performances, including solo Japanese song renditions, a choir performance by the Penang Japanese Saturday School and Mamako, a ‘Soran Bushi’ performance by Penang Japanese School students, dance performances by POWIIS, Chuan Yi Club, and the Miss Penang Bon Odori 2024 runner-up.
Other highlights include Aki Matsuri dances by MJS and PJA Sakura Kai members, a samurai sword performance, and a Yukata fashion show featuring 14 models, including some models of Miss Penang Bon Odori 2024 and Miss Aki Matsuri 2023.
There will also be a Yukata Popularity Contest (Best Mr and Ms Yukata), with each winner receiving a RM300 cash prize. Visitors can also win prizes and lucky draws at game stations. Admission is free.
Among those present at the press conference were organising chairman and MJS president Choo Shing Lai, deputy organising chairman Angie Lim, and Let’s Share Digital Marketing publicity and station manager See Pei Lin, Citadines Connect Georgetown operations manager Harris Hassan and coordinator Lee Yun Ning, Miss Photogenic of Miss Penang Aki Matsui 2023 Angel Ng and second runner-up Jane Foo.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissa Thian