Penang Bon Odori Festival 2015
(Penang, July 25th) The 19th Penang Bon Odori Festival was held at Esplanade, Penang. Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Mr. Ryuji Noda appreciated The Right Honourable Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for His Excellency’s strong support, Y.B. Danny Law and the organizing committee for their dedication and hard work, as well as the sponsors for their generous contributions. He also mentioned that the festival serves to strengthen ties between Penang and Japan and strengthen the people-to-people relations during his opening speech.
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From left: Penang State EXCO Member YB Danny Law Heng Kiang, Consul-General Mr. Ryuji NODA and Chief Minister of Penang Mr. Lim Guan Eng, delivering their speeches at the opening ceremony. |
This year, the festival attracted about 50,000 festival goers. The festival highlights included Ryukyu Traditional Dance Group from Okinawa Japan and Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) from Hiroshima, Japan.
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Taiko performance by students from Penang Japanese School. |
Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) food stall from Hiroshima. |
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Performance by Ryukyu Traditional Dance Group from Okinawa, Japan. |
There were more than 100 stalls selling local and Japanese delicacies, handicrafts, games and etc. Penang Bon Odori Festival provides a wonderful occasion to introduce Japanese culture to the local people and foreign visitors. This festival also promotes friendship between the Japan, Penang and Malaysia,
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Yoyo balloon and Gold fish Catching stall organized by Penang Japanese Association. |
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Soran Bushi and Yosakoi dance performance by 76 students from SM Sultan Abdul Halim, Kedah. |
Sakura-Kai (Women’s group of the Penang Japanese Association), members of Malaysian Japanese Society and members of Penang Japanese Language Society performing Bon Odori dance. |
After the dancing programme, “Miss Yukata contest” was organized again this year by Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia, Northern Branch (JAGAM).
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, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia-Northern Branch, and Alumni of Overseas Technical Scholarships. The Bon Odori Festival in Esplanade, Penang, is one of the biggest such Bon Festivals held outside Japan and it is held in July each year.
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The fireworks display was sponsored by Penang Japanese Association, marking the climax of the festival. |
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. Ryukyu Traditional Dance group gave a sneaked preview of their performances during the dinner.
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Guests enjoying the dance performance.
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* Penang Bon Odori Festival photographs courtesy of Mr. CW Khong |
