Penang Aki Matsuri Festival 2023 bridging cultures

The 2023 Penang Aki Matsuri Festival is set to enchant visitors this weekend, on Nov 18-19, from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm at The TOP Penang.

Organised by the Malaysian Japanese Society with strong support from the Penang government, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Office, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, this annual festival aims to fill the void left by the postponed Bon Odori festival.

Penang Tourism Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai explained that Bon Odori, traditionally held in July, faced postponement due to the proximity to state elections earlier this year.

Aki Matsuri Festival – A cultural bond

Introduced in Penang in 2019, the Aki Matsuri Festival serves as a cultural bridge between the Japanese and Malaysian communities.

This year’s celebration is particularly special as it commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East Policy, symbolising the strengthened diplomatic relations initiated during Tun Dr Mahathir’s administration.

The festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, bringing Penangites and the Japanese community closer.

Festive offerings and cultural experiences

The 2023 Aki Matsuri Festival boasts a vibrant array of offerings, featuring 20 stalls showcasing Japanese cuisines, handmade crafts, Yukata-wearing experiences, and Japanese home decor and souvenirs.

The festival’s highlight includes an interactive Aki Matsuri dance and a captivating Taiko drum performance, with thirteen local and Japanese community groups taking the stage. Visitors also have the opportunity to win prizes, including 200 cash vouchers from Sushi King.

Admission to the festival is free, welcoming all to indulge in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and traditions. Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu, expressed anticipation for the festival, emphasizing its role in bringing communities closer and strengthening ties between Penang and Japan.

The 2023 Penang Aki Matsuri Festival not only promises a weekend of cultural immersion but also stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Japan, echoing the spirit of the Look East Policy’s four-decade legacy.

Source: Buletin Mutiara