Machida (second left) and Hon Wai (second right) dancing alongside Woo (right) and Tan during the Penang Bon Odori festival. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
THE soft glow of hundreds of lanterns illuminated Penang’s Bon Odori celebration, giving this year’s event at the Esplanade a deeper meaning.
It symbolised the guiding lights of tradition and highlighted the enduring spirit of friendship and togetherness shared by the people of Malaysia and Japan.
The lanterns’ vibrant colours – pink, red and yellow – also created postcard-worthy scenes that afforded the crowd of thousands, countless photo-taking opportunities.
Children giggled as they chased each other beneath the swaying orbs, while families and friends gathered on picnic mats to share food and watch stage performances that kicked off just before sunset.
Participants clad in colourful ‘yukata’, taking selfies at the Esplanade.
These included the evocative Bon Odori dance, where participants form a circle and move about in graceful rhythms.
Its choreography of simple repetitive steps and hand gestures allowed people of all backgrounds to participate, from Japanese expatriates to locals and children.
Also joining in were dignitaries including consul-general of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida and state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
In his speech, Machida expressed his delight at how the Bon Odori had been warmly embraced and integrated into Penang’s cultural scene since the 1990s.
He described it as a testament to how cultural exchange could foster lasting friendships across borders – something that is especially important in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Visitor Vincent Chuah, 40 (right), taking photos of friend Ice Goh, 30 (left), against the backdrop of lanterns at Penang Bon Odori 2025.
There are currently over 3,000 Japanese expatriates living in Penang, many of whom are employees or families of the over 100 Japanese companies operating in the state.
“I would like to thank the people of Penang for welcoming us and all the community members who made this meaningful annual event possible,” Machida added.
Hon Wai said the event – now a highlight of the state’s annual calendar – was more than just a night of music, dance and food.
Rather, it is a reflection of unity, he said.
“Penang is proud of its reputation as an international city, one that has for centuries welcomed people, ideas and cultures from across the world.
“Bon Odori is a powerful expression of this openness.
“From a tradition born in Japan, it has been embraced in Penang and now celebrated together by people of all backgrounds.
The crowd on the Esplanade field enjoying food while taking in stage performances.
“This year’s theme of ‘Akari Bon Odori’ which means Festival of Lights, reminds us of this warmth, connection and community.
“It represents the many ways we come together, learn from and appreciate one another, and celebrate the richness of culture,” Hon Wai added.
Many festival-goers also came dressed in yukata – thinner, unlined versions of kimono typically worn during the hot summer months – to get in the spirit of the celebration.
They included the winner of last year’s Miss Penang Bon Odori pageant, Madeline Wong, as well as runners-up Misaki Woo and Angeline Tan.
The trio enlivened the occasion with their graceful presence, often stopping to pose for photos with visitors and even stopping to chat with visitors about their experiences.
Visitors learning kendo moves from exponents.
Madeline, a flight attendant, said the event was something she had always looked forward to annually.
As a national karate exponent, she was exposed to Japanese culture from a young age.
“I’ve been to many Japanese cities and found the people, culture and food amazing.
“I feel privileged to play the role of ambassador and share it with everyone,” she enthused.
Her counterparts from the Penang Goshin-Ryu Karate Association were also among the troupes putting on a performance for the public.
MacGregor playing the ‘shakuhachi’ at the event.
An aikido demonstration was delivered by the Mushinkan Academy, while shakuhachi (Japanese flute) master Andrew MacGregor impressed with a solo performance.
The Studio Pentas Dance Collective also put on a special number titled “Pulse of the Jewel”.
There were dozens of stalls offering games such as the ever-popular goldfish fishing and balloon scooping, as well as workshops on crafts like origami.
Towards the end, echoes of the evergreen Rasa Sayang rang out, after which a spectacular fireworks display erupted over the newly restored Fort Cornwallis and brought proceedings to a close.
