AN air of gaiety permeated the atmosphere in Esplanade this evening as the Penang Bon Odori Festival 2022 was celebrated physically after it was not held for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thousands of people flocked to the popular recreational ground, beside the historic Fort Cornwallis, to be part of the traditional Japanese festival that was celebrated with dance and lively drum performances.
Many locals were seen mingling with a sizeable Japanese community at the event as well as soaking in the Japanese culture and delighting themselves with some Japanese food.
Among the VIPs present were Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko and his wife, Takahashi Mami, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Consul-General of Japan in Penang Orikasa Hiroyuki, former chief minister and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Senator Lim Hui Ying and several assemblymen.
Chow, in fact, said he felt surreal to share the evening of merriment with so many beloved visitors and friends.
“This is an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to catch a glimpse into the way of life of our Japanese friends.
“Looking beyond the festivity, the Bon Odori Festival is a testament to the long-standing friendship shared between Penang and Japan.
“It is an occasion worthy of celebration as we foster a deeper and stronger relationship with our Japanese counterpart, building more bridges for mutual understanding in this era of globalisation.
“As the state government continues to pursue our Penang2030 vision in making Penang “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”, we must also appreciate the diversity and peaceful co-existence that is unique to Penang.
“It is our shared responsibility to preserve and conserve this priceless living heritage, such as the Bon Odori Festival, to ensure that our future generation can enjoy the uniqueness of many cultural events and the joy of multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence here in Penang,” Chow said in his speech.
He added that Penang, being home to quite an international community, has exciting programmes throughout the year organised by the closely-knitted expatriate residents, who introduced their cultural celebrations to the locals.
“They are all an asset to our tourism industry and cultural development here. All of these give us the impetus to LovePENANG even more.
“We are blessed to live and work in a state with so much potential and to LovePENANG is for us to return her shine despite the past two years of Covid-19 hardship,” Chow said.
Takahashi said the Penang Bon Odori coincided with the 40th anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East Policy, as well as the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia.
He said currently, Japan is Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner and the third largest investor.
He added that some 1,600 Japanese companies are investing in Malaysia, and approximately 120 Japanese companies are operating here in Penang. With that, he said they are creating a number of jobs and are thus contributing to the economy of the state and nation.
Visitors using a bamboo sword to slam at a kendo exponent.
“Japan highly appreciates Malaysia’s cultural diversity and tolerance. This diversity and tolerance have been an engine to promote bilateral relations in all aspects, including this Bon Odori Festival.
“I was deeply moved by the Bon Odori Festival, which we co-organised two weeks ago in Selangor. Here in Penang, I am deeply touched again by such a large number of participants. Bon Odori Festival this year is a fine testimony of the cordial relations enjoyed by our two countries, indeed.
“I sincerely hope the Bon Odori Festival here in Penang will serve yet another opportunity to bond the people of Japan and Malaysia, and this Bon Odori Festival to continue strengthening our bilateral relationships year by year,” Takahashi said in his speech.
Yeoh said the Penang Bon Odori Festival 2022 was getting better and bigger. The number of stalls has increased from 65 in 2018 to 100 this year.
“There is indeed much for Malaysia, and Penang to learn from Japan, including but not limited to its labour ethics, morale, and management capability.
“This festival is also a symbol that Penang is a welcoming and hospitable state that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of all sorts,” Yeoh said.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi letting his hair down after he was among several guests invited to join in a Japanese dance.
Orikasa said the festival has been held in Penang for over 20 years, thanks to the close collaboration between the Penang government, his consulate and six Japanese organisations.
“Today’s festival is celebrating a history of friendship between the people of Penang and the Japanese in this beautiful state.
“This festival is a testimony of the cordial bilateral relationships based on our mutual understanding, respect and trust enjoyed by the people of Penang and the Japanese.
“I hope through this festival, we will contribute to promoting Penang as one of the best tourist destinations in the world,” Orikasa said.
To start off the festival, Takahashi Yukaga, Yamada Akiko and Hafiz Othman gave a koto performance.
This was followed by a Malay traditional dance by a group of energetic Malaysians.
The crowd was further treated to a Bon Odori dance, an akido demonstration, a performance by the Han Chiang band, a judo performance by Penang Judo Association, a violin performance by Asano Miki, and a kenjutsu performance by Mushinkan Academy.
While these performances were captivating, many also took the opportunity to indulge in an array of Japanese food and local delights.
To cap off the night, there was a dazzling fireworks display.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat