The big crowd enjoying a Japanese song ‘Dai Tokyo Ondo’ being performed on the stage to drum beats at the Shah Alam National Sports Complex. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
THOUSANDS of revellers celebrated Bon Odori at the Shah Alam National Sports Complex (Panasonic Stadium).
The annual Japanese summer festival has been held in Malaysia for more than four decades, fostering goodwill between the two countries.
Organised by the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur, and the Embassy of Japan with the support of Tourism Selangor, the event is now in its 47th year.
A stall selling Japanese rice cakes called mochi and another selling Japanese fried chicken, karaage.
Various Japanese and Selangor cultural performances kept the huge crowd mesmerised, with many spectators following the dances.
There were Buyuo-Duo, Bon Odori and Wadaiko dances and songs performed to drum beats as well as Selangor’s Soblang Sari dance.
Visitors also flocked to booths selling a variety of Japanese street food like karaage (fried chicken) and gyoza (dumplings) as well as local products.
A family relaxing at the Bon Odori Festival.
Most of the visitors happily embraced the spirit of the cultural festival by donning traditional Japanese attire like kimono and yukata.
Many came as early as 4.30pm when the stadium gates were opened, despite the festival starting only at 7pm.
While waiting, they chilled out while seated on mats on the field.
Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Azrul Shah Mohamad said, “This occasion attracted over 30,000 visitors to Selangor and exhibited the uniqueness of our state to domestic and international tourists.
Visitors of all ages and ethnic background taking delight in dressing up in Japanese traditional attire for the festival.
“It helped kick off our mission to further penetrate the Japanese market through our ‘Splendid Selangor, Take Me Anywhere!’ international tourism campaign,” he said.
About 40 personnel from Shah Alam police headquarters and 100 Petaling district Civil Defence staff were at the event to help ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
Also basking in the Bon Odori vibes at the stadium was Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko.
The big crowd enjoying a Japanese song ‘Dai Tokyo Ondo’ being performed on the stage to drum beats at the Shah Alam National Sports Complex. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
A stall selling Japanese rice cakes called mochi and another selling Japanese fried chicken, karaage.
A family relaxing at the Bon Odori Festival.
Visitors of all ages and ethnic background taking delight in dressing up in Japanese traditional attire for the festival.
Cosplay fans enjoying a meal of instant noodles.
Visitors of all ages and ethnic background taking delight in dressing up in Japanese traditional attire for the festival.
A stall selling Japanese rice cakes called mochi and another selling Japanese fried chicken, karaage.
