The much-anticipated Aki Matsuri 2025 will return next month, celebrating Japanese culture, art, and friendship under the theme “Fall in Love with Japan.”
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the annual festival, organised by the Malaysian Japanese Society (MJS) with support from his office, will be held on Nov 16, from 10am to 10pm at Sunshine Central, Penang.
“This will be the third consecutive year that Penang is hosting Aki Matsuri, which is a festival that has become a wonderful bridge of friendship between Penang and Japan,” Wong said during a press conference in Komtar today.
He added that Penang is proud to be the only state in Malaysia that hosts three major Japanese cultural events annually, namely the Yosakoi Parade, Bon Odori, and Aki Matsuri.
Wong also expressed appreciation to Sunshine Central, the venue sponsor, and all supporting partners for their contribution in making the event possible.
“Among our supporters are the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Penang Japanese Association, Penang Japanese School, Penang Japanese Saturday School Association, Texchem Resources Berhad, NKH Project (Jalan-Jalan Japan), Sushi-Ya, Canon Marketing Malaysia, Hair Story International, Globalstory Academy, Let’s Share, and Penang Storm Karate Club.
“We also thank all stall vendors, performers and volunteers for their dedication and partnership,” he said.
In Japan, Aki Matsuri, which means “Autumn Festival”, is a time of gratitude and celebration
Consul General of Japan in Penang, Shinya Machida, expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between Japan and Penang, highlighting the close collaboration with the state government.
“I just arrived in Penang last December, and my first major event was attending Aki Matsuri 2024 together with Wong . I am glad to see that this year’s festival is returning with even more exciting elements,” he said.
Malaysian-Japanese Society Event coordinator Ooi Ean Ping said among the festival’s highlights will be the Miss Akimatsuri Contest, which returns this year after a break in 2024.
“The contest is open to Malaysians and PRs aged 18 and above, regardless of marital status, with six prizes including Miss Elegant (by Hair Story), Miss Photogenic (by Canon), and Miss Popularity (by Let’s Share). Online voting will take place from Oct 14 to 16,” she said.
Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of activities, including origami and kirigami workshops, a photography workshop by Canon, matcha and sushi-making sessions, kimono rental and makeover services, and station games where participants can collect QR codes to win prizes.
The stage programme will feature Soranbushi dance performances by students of the Penang Japanese School, a 55-member Japanese choir performance, as well as karate demonstrations, kimono and yukata fashion shows.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian