THUNDERING drums, bright red lanterns, pink ‘sakura trees’, and a giant replica of the Japan’s Kaminarimon Gate welcomed thousands of visitors at the Penang Bon Odori Festival 2019 at the Queensbay Mall open space carpark.
Local and foreign visitors, some dressed in traditional yukata, had an exciting time with their friends and family members during the festival which started as early as 5pm.
Students from the Penang Japanese School kicked off the festival with a spectacular wadaiko (traditional Japanese drum) performance.
They wowed the crowd with a traditional taiko piece ‘Yatai-Bayashi’.
A sporting state executive council member Yeoh Soon Hin showcased his talent in dancing when he joined the other VIPs on stage to take part in two opening dances – the Tanko Bushi and the Rasa Sayang.
After the VIPs left the stage, the performers continued to dance to two more songs, which were the Doraemon Ondo and the Tokyo Olympic Ondo.
Yeoh, who is the state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman, said the festival was an avenue to engage the public and served as a platform for families to spend quality time together.
“The event promotes cultural engagement and is in line with the Penang2030 vision of a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation.
“We stepped out of the ‘usual’ Bon Odori celebration this year by incorporating new features – the Kaminarimon Gate, ‘sakura’ trees and Japanese bamboo plants to create a nice Japanese atmosphere.
“It is our aim to provide our visitors the chance to experience the various cultures in Penang. This is our direction as we usher in Experience Penang Year 2020, which is in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2020,” Yeoh said in his speech tonight.
Consul-general of Japan in Penang Shinichiro Kanoya said the Penang Bon Odori Festival had become one of the major events in the state since it was first held in 1996.
“The event has grown to be one of the biggest Bon Odori Festival outside Japan, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
“We want to thank everyone for their support towards the festival,” he said.
The festival was indeed amazing for everyone including eight finalists who vied for the Miss Penang Bon Odori title.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, several consul-generals, and Penang Island City Council secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali.
The special guest for the night was Miss Universe Japan 2018 Yuumi Kato.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis