Visitors enjoying activities featured during the festival which celebrates Japanese and Malaysian cultures.
THE 21st Bon Odori Festival in Johor has become testimony of the friendship enjoyed by the people of Japan and Malaysia, says the Japanese ambassador to Malaysia.
Takahashi Katsuhiko said cultural diversity and tolerance had also become important aspects that promoted bilateral relationships between the two countries.
“I am deeply touched by the Bon Odori festival held in Selangor and Penang last year, due to its significant meaning in that Malaysia and Japan have overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“This has continued in Johor, where this year’s Bon Odori has become a testimony of the warm friendship enjoyed by the people between the two countries.
“I hope our Malaysian friends will enjoy this Japanese festival here, from the sound of the Japanese traditional drum wadaiko to traditional martial arts performances, traditional dances including bon odori and yosakoi, and Japanese food.”
Met at Bon Odori Johor 2023 which was held at Eco Galleria in Iskandar Puteri, Katsuhiko also remarked on the anniversaries of the two nations’ friendship.Japan and Malaysia in 2022 celebrated the 40th anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East policy and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
Katsuhiko pounding a rice cake at Bon Odori Johor 2023 held at Eco Galleria, Iskandar Puteri.
“Moving forward together with our Malaysian friends, Japan looks forward to enhancing our relations in all areas to serve our nations, the region and beyond.
“There are currently 170 Japanese companies in Johor out of a total of 1,600 companies in Malaysia,” he said, adding that Johor was the state with the third-largest number of Japanese companies, after Penang and Selangor.
“We are also well aware that there is an increasing trend of investment coming to Johor; generally speaking, Japanese companies are interested in investing in Malaysia, so I hope Johor will be one of the destinations that we can come to.”
Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld Malaysia) president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah welcomed the return of the Bon Odori festival after three years and invited more people to join in.
“This is one of our annual programmes since 2015 that we have held together with the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (Jagam),” he added.
“We hope those staying nearby can come and be part of our community programme in celebrating Japanese culture.”
The event, held in July, hosted over 200 booths featuring Japanese and Malaysian cultures, cuisines, fashion, crafts, souvenirs and snacks.
Participants also enjoyed Japanese cultural activities such as wearing the yukata (robe) and Japanese rice cake pounding.
