Friday July 13, 2007
30,000 to attend Bon Odori fest
Story and photo by EDWARD RAJENDRA
THE Bon Odori festival has captured the hearts of Malaysians with the crowd growing yearly.
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Kato: It is a festival to honour the ancestral spirits who return to his or her earthly home. |
“Bon Odori is summer time. Well, the chief purpose of the festival is not only to remember one’s deceased relatives but it is also meant to be a joyful time, celebrating and bringing family members together,” Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur Bon Odori organising vice-chairman Natsuhiko Kato said.
“It is a festival to honour the ancestral spirits who returned to his or her earthly home,” he added.
“It is a beautiful festival that is celebrated throughout the land of the rising sun. Over here in Selangor, the festival has taken a twist as it has turned into a great get-together,” he said.
Kato said the well-coordinated sounds of the drums coupled with traditional music and energetic movements were hypnotic and it was no surprise that the crowd was growing yearly.
“We encourage parents to bring their children as it will allow the young ones to understand and get a feel of the Japanese culture. At the same time it will be good as we want to celebrate 50 years of friendship with Malaysia,” he said.
“While you are there, just join in the dance that goes in circles around the yagura - a raised platform where the drums are placed. Wear simple, loose clothes and flat-heeled canvass shoes for comfort and appropriate when taking part in the dance,” he said.
Kato added that besides taking part in the dance, those who come also get to savour Japanese food such as kaki gori (Japanese ais-kacang), oni giri (rice balls), fried rice, fried noodles and ice cream.
Held at the Panasonic Sports Complex in Shah Alam (formerly Matsushita Centre) the event will be from 7pm to 9.30pm.
The Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and the Ambassador of Japan Tadashi Imai will grace the event.
For enquiries, call Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur at 03-2274 2274.
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