TO GEAR up for the Penang Yosakoi Parade, housewife Soo Sock Ping hand-stitched yukata for her two children.
She took two weeks to make the casual, lightweight, summer version of the kimono for her children so that they could enjoy the celebration while immersing themselves in the culture and festivities.
“I made the yukata for my six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.
“It is something I do during all major events or celebrations.
“I make them special outfits for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and even Christmas.
“As we always try to attend the Yosakoi Parade, this year I decided to make sure they dressed the part.
“I bought the material online and followed a tutorial to stitch the outfits,” she said during the parade held at the Esplanade in George Town.
Soo said the family enjoyed the Yosakoi festivities and fireworks.
“I want my children to experience other cultures and learn new things as they grow.
“Events like these can be educational and fun,” she added.
Travel agent Oddur Sturluson, who was spotted enjoying the parade with his wife and three children, said they looked forward to it every year.
“For a while, it was held along Karpal Singh Drive which was convenient for us as we live there.
“Although it has moved to the Esplanade, we still come as my children enjoy watching other kids perform.
“It is nice to see people get together and celebrate a different culture,” he said.
Housewife Ai Akima, whose children were taking part in the parade, said she was happy to know there was a multicultural event in Penang.
“Back home in Japan, Yosakoi is just celebrated by locals but here, everyone joins in.
“The parade here is larger than the celebrations in many Japanese cities,” she noted.
Visitors enjoyed a series of street dances and performances, fun games, street food and other Japanese-themed activities throughout the first day of the two-day celebration.
The parade featured 25 teams mainly from Johor, Perak, Kedah and Penang as well as overseas, showcasing their dancing skills.
The Enko group from SM Sultan Abdul Halim in Jitra, Kedah, was declared the overall champion. The school’s teams have won multiple times throughout the 11 years of Yosakoi.
Coming in second was Gentari from Sekolah Seni Perak while third place went to Kagayaku from SMK Seri Nibong in Nibong Tebal, Penang.
Guests of honour included state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida.
They were joined by Miss Yosakoi Penang 2026 pageant winner Wan Nurthaqifah Kaisyah Ghazali and other subsidiary title holders, all dressed in yukata.
Another highlight of the night was the performance by Glanz International, a new Malaysia-Japan joint dance ensemble that made its debut.
Organising chairman Emi Yamazaki said what started with only three teams in 2013, had grown into a true celebration of the spirit of Yosakoi.
“This year, we enter the second decade and have challenged ourselves to make the event bigger by extending it to a second day with the theme and tagline ‘Inspired by Japan, Uniquely Penang’.
“The second night showcases cosplay, animation and popular music,” she said.
More photos
Soo adjusting the yukata she made for her daughter.
Ai and her husband Hiroshi posing for a photo with their two children who took part in the parade.
Wong (centre) with Rajendran (second right) and others interacting with a performer.
A fireworks display illuminating the night sky for a climactic finale to the celebration.
