PENANG is all set to host the much-anticipated Penang Bon Odori Festival 2025 at the Esplanade in George Town on July 19, starting from 5pm, promising an evening filled with dance, music, lights, and cultural celebration.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival represents more than just a cultural showcase, but a symbol of the long-standing friendship between Penang and Japan, and a reflection of the state’s rich cultural diversity.
“This year, we not only look forward to another vibrant Bon Odori, but also reflect on the journey this festival has taken – over three decades of unity, tradition, and shared culture,” Wong said during a press conference at Komtar today.
He added that this year’s theme, “Akari Bon Odori”, which means Festival of Lights, would not only illuminate the night sky but also highlight the spirit of community, friendship, and togetherness.
Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Shinya Machida, shared that, in line with the festival’s theme, over 400 lanterns will be displayed across the festive grounds.
“There will be a lot of lanterns on the field to make it a great occasion for Penangites, the Japanese community, and both local and international visitors.
“I’m just happy to be here at this announcement ceremony. As YB Wong mentioned, the Bon Odori Festival in Penang began in the early 1990s and has since been embraced and assimilated by Penangites into their culture,” Machida said.
Both Wong and Machida thanked Boon Siew Honda and Ghost Museum for their sponsorship, as well as organisations like Penang Japanese Association (PJA), Malaysian Japanese Society (MJS), Japanese Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), Penang Japanese Language Society (PJLS), Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) for their continuous support and collaboration.
Cheah WY, director of Dreamz Production, the appointed event manager, said the festival will feature traditional Bon Odori dances, Taiko drum performances, cultural workshops, including calligraphy, origami and Yukata dressing, family-friendly festival games and a lively food street with 30 stalls.
“This year’s food street will focus on ‘Taste of Japan’, while also incorporating Penang’s famous local flavours,” Cheah said.
Unlike previous years, there will be no Miss Penang Bon Odori contest this time. However, a Yukata modelling segment themed around the four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter – will be held, featuring the top three winners of Miss Penang Bon Odori 2024 participating in the autumn segment.
To add sparkle to the evening, Penang Japanese Association secretary-general So Takayoshi said the association will sponsor a six-minute fireworks display.
Boon Siew Honda managing director and CEO Kunitomo Asano announced that the company will also sponsor a Honda RS-X motorcycle worth approximately RM10,000 as the grand prize in a lucky draw.
JAGAM chairman Shaun Chiam Khai Seong said members of his association are passionate volunteers dedicated to strengthening the bond between Malaysia and Japan.
“We not only promote Japanese culture through unique experiences like the Yukata wearing event, which allows participants to appreciate the beauty, elegance and spirit of Japanese tradition, but also provide guidance on studying in Japan, share information about scholarships, and encourage students to explore academic opportunities in Japanese institutions,” Chiam said.
Also present at the press conference were PTG chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Consulate-General of Japan in Penang Consul Masamori Kobayashi, Consulate-General of Japan in Penang’s assistant for public relations & cultural exchange division Liew Bee Lan, MJS president Choo Shing Lai, and ATOS vice-president Lee Hock Leong.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En