Penang Bon Odori Festival 2014
(Penang , 19 July ) The 18th Penang Bon Odori Festival was held at Esplanade, Penang. The festival was kicked off with speeches by Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Mr. Ryuji Noda, State Executive Councilor of Tourism Development and Culture, Y.B. Danny Law Heng Kiang and Right Honourable Chief Minister, Mr. Lim Guan Eng.
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Consul-General, Mr. Ryuji Noda, VIPs and participants began the ceremony by observing a minute of silence for the passengers on board MH17 |
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Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng : Penang is Japanese tourists’ choice destination |
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng receives souvenirs from the performers from Japan |
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The festival showcased cultural and traditional performances. The highlights of the night were the traditonal drum performances from DAGAYA and Japanese folk dance by AISHO. DAGAYA is a Japanese traditional music group from Nagoya while AISHO is a dance group from Gifu specialized in “Gujo odori” style dance, which is one of the three biggest Bon Odori dances in Japan. There were also drum performances by Penang Japanese School and Soranbushi performances by students from SM Sultan Abdul Halim, Kedah. |
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Drum performances by Penang Japanese School Music Club members |
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| Drum performances by DAGAYA |
Performances from DAGAYA and AISHO |
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AISHO dancing with the crowd |
Performances from DAGAYA |
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Yosakoi dance and Soranbushi performances by students from SM Sultan Abdul Halim, Kedah |
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People enjoying the festival |
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The fireworks display was sponsored by Penang Japanese Association, marking the climax of the festival |
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There was also “Miss Yukata contest” this year organized by Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia, Northern Branch (JAGAM). There were stalls selling Japanese food and local food, handicrafts, the game stalls and a haunted house. The Bon Odori Festival in Penang is co-organized by Penang State Government, Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Malaysian Japanese Society, Penang Japanese Association, Penang Japanese Language Society, JAGAM and Alumni of Overseas Technical Scholarships and has been serving as venue to strengthen mutual understanding between Malaysia and Japan.
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Consul-General of Japan, Mr. Ryuji Noda hosted Penang-Japan Friendship Dinner at the Consul-General’s official residence on the eve of the Festival to welcome the performers from Japan and committee members involved in the Bon Odori Festival. Dagaya and Aisho groups gave a sneaked preview of their performances during the dinner. |
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| Performers take photograph with Consul-General, Ryuji Noda and invited guests |
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