A celebration of Japanese dance festival at Bon Odori Shah Alam

Over 30,000 participants from far and near, many wearing traditional Japanese yukata (summer kimono) and robes arrived at Panasonic National Sports Complex in Shah Alam on July 21, 2018 for the annual Bon Odori celebrations.

The Japanese cultural festival saw junior high school students from The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur dressed up in yukata and zori (sandal made from straw, leather and wood) performed dances on the yagura (a special platform set up in the centre of the stadium) to lively drum beats and music.

Participants joined in the bon odori dance moving slowly and circling the yagura.

The organiser also invited dancers from Malaysian Cultural Dance Group dressed in traditional Malaysian costumes and performed traditional Malaysian dances in front of the large crowd that came to participate in the merriment.

Participants also enjoyed the variety of Japanese food and drinks sold at the many participating stalls such as sushi, teriyaki and akoyaki.

The event was attended for the first time by Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari who also participated in the Bon Odori dance atop the Yagura together with Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa said the event contributed greatly to the strengthening of the good relations between Malaysia and Japan which they had enjoyed for the past 60 years, and hoped the good relationships will continue for many years of good relations ahead.

In Malaysia, the Bon Odori Festival dates back as far as 1977 and serves to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cultural ties between Malaysia and Japan.

The 42^nd Bon Odori 2018 celebration in Malaysia is jointly organised by The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur and Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS), Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), The Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia (JACTIM) and Tourism Selangor.

The support of generous donors, including the Selangor state government and Invest Selangor Berhad had helped make Obon Odori Shah Alam a successful event over the years, and has turned it into an eagerly awaited and vibrant spectacle that people look forward to annually.