Wong, Kawaguchi and other dignitaries taking part in the ‘water-splashing mikoshi’ ritual. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Thousands turn up to enjoy Japanese-themed music, performances, games, food
RAINY weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of thousands who turned up at Karpal Singh Drive for the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2024.
They enjoyed a series of street dances and performances, fun games, street food and other Japanese-themed activities.
Highlights included the Hokkaido Obi Mai, a dance that celebrates the art of tying an obi (kimono sash) through graceful movements, performed by a group of elders from Japan’s northern-most prefecture.
Students from the Penang Japanese School then performed the “water-splashing mikoshi”, where water is sprinkled onto portable miniature shrines for blessings and good luck.
Dignitaries including Yoshiyasu Kawaguchi, Japan’s consul-general in Penang, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, performed the Penang Sakura Ondo dance.
They were joined by 2024 Miss Yosakoi pageant winner Jessie Lim Yie Yie, Miss Sakura Vanessa Lee Zi Xin and other subsidiary title holders, all dressed in matching yukata.
Jessie, 22, a real estate negotiator, said she loved Japanese culture and intends to use her newfound ambassadorial role to promote cross-cultural exchanges with the local community.
“I appreciate the emphasis on social harmony, continuous improvement and respect for each other. And I’ve always found Japanese people to be kind, polite and hospitable.
Japanese and local youngsters alike joining in the dance and revelry at the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2024.
“While I haven’t visited Japan yet, I’m hoping to plan a trip soon,” she said after the event.
The night’s main event was the Yosakoi Dance Competition, which attracted 25 teams from seven states across Malaysia, besides Singapore, Vietnam and Costa Rica.
Each numbering several dozen strong, they took to the street in flamboyant costumes to deliver exuberant, well-choreographed routines under senior and open categories.
The Enko group from SM Sultan Abdul Halim in Jitra, Kedah, was declared the overall champion and recaptured the title it previously held for three consecutive editions in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
The event was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Second- and third place went to Musashi Soran from SMS Bagan Datoh and Semesti Hikari from SMS Teluk Intan respectively, both from Perak.
Semesti Hikari also took the Best Costume title, while last year’s overall winner Gen’Tari from Sekolah Seni Malaysia Perak, had to settle for runner-up in this segment.
The parade culminated with the Sou Odori finale where participants of all groups danced together.
They numbered around a thousand, a new Malaysian record.
Event organiser Emi Yamazaki said Penang’s Yosakoi had grown to become the largest in South-East Asia since it started in 2013.
The Hokkaido Obi Mai being performed by a group from northern Japan.
“From day one, our objective is to allow Malaysians to participate in Japanese culture through creative means like dance and music. And we’re really grateful for the interest and support.
“It’s a challenging undertaking but seeing the joy it brings to people every year keeps us going,” said Yamazaki, who is also president of the Pink Hibiscus Club.
The word yosakoi means “come at night”.
The festival started in 1954 in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
It was originally meant to uplift spirits in the post-war gloom and spur economic activities locally, but has since spread to over 200 locations across Japan as well as more than 30 countries worldwide.
Wong, who represented Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said the event had captured the hearts of locals and become a fixture on the state’s cultural calendar.
“The parade is not just a showcase but a reflection of Penang as a dynamic, international and multicultural city.
“It enhances our identity as a melting pot of diverse influences.
“As we witness the dances and enjoy its energy, we’re reminded of how culture builds bridges, fosters understanding and creates lasting memories that unite all,” he added.
