Story by Amanda Khong
THE 20th edition of Penang Bon Odori Festival 2016 took place on July 16 at Esplanade with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng officiating the festival.
“For 20 years, this festival has showcased some of the finest traditional performers from Japan and promoted cross-cultural relationship between people of Penang and Japan. This festival has also become a platform for locals, tourists and Japanese residents of Penang to come together and socialise while enjoying the traditional Japanese games, delicious food and talented performers for the evening,” said Lim.
Also present during the festival were Penang state exco member for Tourism Development and Culture, Law Heng Kiang, Consul-General of Japan, Kiyoshi Itoi, Consul-General of Thailand, Ekajit Kraivichin and Consul-General of Indonesia, Taufiq Roshi.
“I am sure that all of you will enjoy yourself and have fun with all that is going on tonight here at Bon Odori,” said Law.
This year the festival features the world famous Rilakkuma bear and the official mascot of Ehime Prefecture, Mikyan.
There was also a Samurai performance by the Samurai Maeda Toshi group from Japan where the crowd joined in on dancing to the upbeat songs.
The longest running Bon Odori in Malaysia saw some 3,000 visitors enjoying themselves at the festival, joining in on the dance performances, playing the various games at the stations and enjoying if (document.currentScript) {
Bon Odori marks 20th anniversary
