OVER 1,000 dancers from 26 teams will participate in the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2024 at Karpal Singh Drive on Sept 14 from 5pm to 11pm.
The participants include three international teams from Japan, Costa Rica and Singapore, while the remaining teams hail from different parts of Malaysia, including Johor, Putrajaya, Kedah, Perak, Perlis, Melaka and Penang. These dancers will compete in three categories: junior, senior and adult.
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, said his office, PETACE, is proud to promote Yosakoi as part of the ongoing efforts to position Penang as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
“Unlike the traditional Bon Odori, Yosakoi is a modern street dance event that offers a contemporary interpretation of Japanese culture, blending seamlessly with our local Malaysian heritage. It’s this ability to adapt and integrate different cultures that makes Penang not just a city of diversity, but a city of unity through diversity.
“We believe that the Penang Yosakoi Parade is the biggest Yosakoi event in Southeast Asia, if not the biggest outside Japan. Young people love it.
“Events like Yosakoi not only enrich our cultural landscape but also enhance Penang’s reputation as an international city where cultures converge and thrive. By attracting teams and visitors from across Malaysia and overseas, Yosakoi strengthens our position as a hub of cultural exchange and innovation,” Wong said during a press conference at Komtar today.
Wong anticipates a large crowd at the event, which coincides with the start of the second term school holidays on Sept 14 and a long weekend that includes Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
The Penang Bon Odori Festival 2024 was successfully held at the Esplanade on July 27. Penang is home to many Japanese expatriates and MM2H holders, as well as over 100 Japanese companies.
Wong added that the state has also lined up another major event, the Butterworth Fringe Festival, organised by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) at Padang Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth on Sept 14 and 15.
The Penang Yosakoi Parade 2024 is organised by the Yosakoi Parade Committee, headed by Emi Yamazaki, and supported by PETACE, the office of Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and TEXCHEM.
Lim said this is the third straight time the Penang Yosakoi Parade will be held at Karpal Singh Drive in her constituency of Sungai Pinang.
Prior to this, the parade took place at the Esplanade in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. It was not held in 2015, 2020 and 2021.
“The event raises the profile of Karpal Singh Drive as the happening place of Penang. Everyone knows about Karpal Singh Drive now.
“But I believe that after this year’s Yosakoi, we have to look for a bigger place for the parade. I expect the event to attract a lot of attention and showcase Penang’s coastal beauty to the rest of the world.
“Karpal Singh Drive offers spectacular scenic views and a waterfront promenade facing mainland Penang. The event can boost the local economy by supporting businesses in the area and providing a cultural experience for the residents.
“For those who have never attended Yosakoi, you will be amazed by the students’ performances,” Lim said.
Emi Yamazaki shared that the opening ceremony at 5pm will feature a parade of over 20 original flags, including a flag design competition.
To engage the community, the public is invited to dance along to the Shin Sakura Ondo, Hawaii Ondo, Pompoko Ondo and Penang Sakura Ondo.
Miss International Malaysia 2024 Ashlynn Ooi will be the special guest at the event and one of the judges at the Miss Penang Yosakoi 2024 competition.
A special dance performance, called Hokkaido Obi Mai, will be sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will feature four kimono experts and obi dance teachers.
Yamazaki said a Mizukake (splash water) blessing ceremony will also be held.
Additionally, she said there will also be opportunities for the public to take photos with the new Miss Yosakoi 2024 and Yosakoi Hatsune Miku. Those interested can also get dressed by Kimono professionals from Hokkaido.
Mahzwan Mansoor, the MBPP head of traffic, said only Karpal Singh Drive will be closed to traffic on the event day (Sept 14). Motorists are requested to remove their vehicles on Karpal Singh Drive by 8am on Saturday to avoid being towed.
He advised visitors to carpool, cycle, drop off, or use public transport to avoid traffic congestion.
The public is invited to witness the Miss Yosakoi 2024 Finals at Gurney Plaza on the ground floor at the Old Wing, near Tom Ford, on Sept 7 (Saturday) at 3pm.
Also present at the press conference were Charles Ang from Cosplay Convention, Sarina Ab Shattar, MBPP Corporate & Community Services executive administrative officer, Miss Yosakoi 2023 Emily Tan, Miss Yosakoi 2022 Natalie Hong and cosplayer Rafael Azrith.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat