The Penang State Government hopes to bring back the Bon Odori Festival soon.
This is following the meeting between Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy and the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Orikasa Hiroyuki today.
“Penang hopes to resume the state’s largest annual Japanese celebration – Penang Bon Odori Festival.
“Penang last observed this annual commemoration in 2019, which was then called off for two consecutive years due to the pandemic outbreak that did not permit organisaton of large scale in-person events,” said Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh also added that with the national borders being lifted effective April 1 and the loosening of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), it is about time for Penang to explore the resumption of annual commemorations and events such as the Bon Odori Festival.
The Bon Odori Festival has been an occasion where the public gather in a local setting to explore a foreign culture and learn more about what Japan has to offer.
“Events as such is a good method to encourage bilateral conversations, between Japanese and locals. I believe this will foster greater relations and promote tourism for the two nations indirectly,” he said adding that all the necessary health protocols will be put in place to ensure public safety.