ONE of Malaysia’s most anticipated multicultural festivals, the Penang Yosakoi Parade, is set to return in grand style on June 21, 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with new international highlights, cultural showcases, and the launch of a world-first Yosakoi awards ceremony.
Held at the iconic Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama), the event promises a vibrant celebration of traditional Japanese dance blended with local Malaysian creativity.
Organisers expect thousands of visitors, including cultural performers and tourists from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and across Malaysia.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, in a media conference earlier in Komtar, described the Yosakoi Parade as more than a festival, as it is a symbol of Penang’s spirit of diversity and international friendship.
“This event is not just about performance or pageantry but about people and connection.
“Penang is proud to host festivals that reflect our identity as a multicultural state and an emerging global cultural hub,” he said.
He also highlighted that Penang’s tourism strategy aims to go beyond heritage buildings and cuisine, emphasising shared experiences, cultural storytelling, and meaningful exchanges that reflect Penang’s growing international appeal.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, a lineup of pre-event activities will be held throughout June, mostly centred around Gurney Plaza.
These include, the Miss Yosakoi Pageant on June 14, from 3pm at Gurney Plaza, “Beyond Tradition” exhibition from June 15 to 22 at the mall’s New Wing, Japan Idol groups meet and greet on June 20 at the Old Wing, and the Japan Yosakoi dance team meet and greet on June 21 at Esplanade.
“These events are designed to excite both locals and visitors in the lead-up to the main celebration.
“They infuse the festival with greater creativity, energy, and cross-cultural understanding,” he added.
Penang Yosakoi 2025 will feature several landmark moments for Malaysian cultural events.
For the first time, four Japanese idol groups will perform live on a large outdoor stage in Penang. The lineup includes a rock band, a soloist, a pop duo, and a youth-centric act.
Their concert, organised in collaboration with Blue Sparks Technologies, will take place after the parade on June 21, starting at 11pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks and light show.
Organising chairman Emi Yamazaki said this will be the first time that Japanese idol groups will perform on such a grand scale in Penang.
“We hope it will attract a younger audience, especially J-culture fans and cosplayers.”
“In another major highlight, two well-known Japanese Yosakoi dance teams, SoftBank Yosakoi 1 and Ionia, will join the parade.
“SoftBank’s team represents the Japanese corporate Yosakoi tradition, while Ionia is recognised for their elaborate costumes that mix traditional fabrics with modern designs,” she said.
In addition to their performance, Ionia will conduct cultural workshops, including collaborative costume-making sessions with students from Equator College in Penang and a school in Kedah, furthering cultural education and exchange.
A major innovation this year is the launch of the Penang International Yosakoi Awards, the world’s first award show dedicated to Yosakoi dance.
Teams will compete for gold, silver, and bronze awards based on choreography, costume design, and performance.
“This is a significant step toward establishing Penang as a global centre for Yosakoi.
“It not only honours tradition but also recognises artistic innovation,” said Yamazaki.
This year’s parade will include 26 local teams from seven Malaysian states, including, for the first time, participants from Pahang. International teams from Japan, Singapore, and Thailand will also take part, further cementing the parade’s global reach.
A special guest attending this year is a professor from Kochi University, the birthplace of Yosakoi in Japan. The academic will observe and document the evolution of the dance form as it spreads internationally.
Inspired by Yosakoi events in Hokkaido, the Penang Yosakoi Parade continues to grow in both scale and prestige, serving as a model for cultural diplomacy and grassroots engagement in the region.
Wong, separately, also said that the event celebrates the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and Japan, with over 100 Japanese companies and around 3,500 Japanese expatriates now based in Penang.
“We want to offer more than sightseeing.
“We want people to experience Penang’s soul, its stories, traditions, and spirit of unity,” he said.
He credited the support of the private sector, especially key sponsors like Texchem Group, Brewspark Technologies, and CosWorld, for making the celebration possible.
“Our festivals are not just entertainment, but they are platforms for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community harmony,” he added.
The Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025 is free and open to the public, offering a colourful night of dance, fashion, food, music, and fireworks.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis