Sekolah Seni Malaysia from Perak won this year's Yosakoi Dance Open. -- Photos: Patrick Loo Fotographie
MALAYSIANS’ love for Japanese culture was evident at Penang Yosakoi Parade 2023 held at Karpal Singh Drive.
Thousands thronged the area to catch a fascinating line-up of street dances, stage performances, deejays, games, street food, water splashing and light shows.
Many came dressed in colourful yukata and costumes to enliven the atmosphere.
It was also the event’s 10th anniversary, after starting from humble beginnings at the Esplanade in 2013.
Participants enjoying splashing water during the parade. — Photo courtesy of Patrick Loo Fotographie
Co-organiser Pink Hibiscus Club president Emi Yamazaki said there were only three dance teams at that time as participants simply wanted to have fun and only a few locals knew about Yosakoi festival.
“We have 24 teams today from many states and we’re celebrating it on Malaysia Day which symbolises unity and diversity.
“Thanks to our many partners, supporters and sponsors, this has grown to be one of the biggest Yosakoi events in South-East Asia, and even bigger than some in Japan.”
Yamazaki said there were also other notable achievements, such as creating a Japanese folk song for the state, Penang Sakura Ondo, which debuted at the event in 2019.
In 2021, another piece called Penang Yozakura was released.
A special group dance or Sou Odori was choreographed for this year’s festival where 487 of the parade’s participants danced in unison.
Parade's participants dancing in unison, poised to set a record for the Biggest Yosakoi Group Dance in Malaysia.(Sept 21, 2023) - Provided photo. Credit: Patrick Loo Fotographie
Pending confirmation by the relevant certification bodies, the feat may have set a record for Biggest Yosakoi Group Dance in Malaysia.
Among competitions held, the Yosakoi Dance Open was won by Sekolah Seni Malaysia from Perak, with Kedah’s SM Sultan Abdul Halim in second place and Johor’s SMK Sultan Ismail in third.
Two other Kedah teams, SMS Pokok Sena and SMS Kubang Pasu, won Best Flag and Best Costume awards, respectively.
There was also a Best Newcomer prize for Perak’s Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gopeng and an Open award for Penang’s Prince of Wales Island International Primary School.
“The teams’ performances get better year on year and judges had a really hard time choosing the winners,” said Yamazaki.
The term Yosakoi meant “come at night”, Yamazaki said.
The event was first held in Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku island in 1954 to promote activity in the streets, pray for citizens’ well-being and uplift spirits after the war.
Today, it has spread to over 200 locations across Japan and countless more in over 30 countries.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo flagged off the parade alongside Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Yoshiyasu Kawaguchi and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
Jagdeep said the way locals had embraced Japanese culture was testament to the close friendship, cooperation and mutual exchange they shared with the people of Japan.
“What’s most fascinating about Yosakoi is how it’s influenced by different regions’ cultural roots.
“Participants add their own interpretations and choreography to create a truly unique festival,” Jagdeep said.
Lim, who is also state social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman, said Penang truly embraced multiculturalism and diversity.
