The much awaited Bon Odori Festival is back this upcoming Saturday, July 30th at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama) after a two-year hiatus.
The festival will be open from 5pm till 11pm to showcase over 100 stalls offering Japanese and local food.
Present to announce the event was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin and Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Mr Orikasa Hiroyuki and his team.
Yeoh highlighted the purpose of organizing a large-scale Japanese-based festival in Penang is to promote and enhance bilateral relations between Penang and Japan, whilst giving visitors a glimpse and window to understand the Japanese culture without the need to leave the country.
“Moreover, it is also seen as a testament of the prosperous trade between Malaysia and Japan, as well as a fruitful friendship forged between these two destinations.
“Since its debut, the Bon Odori Festival has also been an event where people gather for a joyous occasion, making it perfect for families looking for a day out. By organizing family-friendly events, we can allow the young, the young at heart, and all the other age groups to come together for a common occasion”, said Yeoh at the press conference.
Meanwhile, Hiroyuki said that they appreciate the efforts of YB Yeoh and the Penang state government to hold the Bon Odori Festival.
“This year marks 65-years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia and have been based on mutual understanding and cooperation. The festival will be a great opportunity to introduce Japanese culture, tradition and food”. he added.
He also hopes that the festival will help promote Penang as one of best tourist destinations in the world.
There will also be a grand prize of two units of motorbikes on offer (Honda and Kriss Modenas models each) for the lucky draw.
Among the other activities which will be featured on the day include cultural activities, showcases, food stalls and an indulgent Yukata try-on for those who fancy a Japanese experience.
In view of public safety and facilitation of the festival, several roads will also be closed for the event, including Jalan Padang Kota Lama (July 28 , 12am to 31 July, 1am); Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah (July 30, 6am to 12am); Lebuh Duke (July 30, 6am to 31 July, 1am).
