More than 50,000 visitors packed the open carpark at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur in Subang Jaya, Selangor to mark the 50th edition of Bon Odori festival.
The two-day event brought families and friends together for traditional dances, street food, cultural activities and a spectacular fireworks display on opening night.
The strong turnout reaffirmed the festival’s legacy in fostering cultural appreciation and friendship between Malaysia and Japan for five decades, said Sunway Malls in a press statement.
What began in 1977 as a small gathering for Japanese expatriates to preserve traditions with their children, has grown into a landmark event on the Malaysian cultural calendar.
Held in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2026, it also boosted Sunway City’s position as a key cultural tourism destination, drawing visitors nationwide and supporting the local economy, the organisers said.
Sunway Malls managing director HC Chan said Sunway City Kuala Lumpur was proud to host one of Malaysia’s most cherished cultural celebrations.
“The festival facilitates not only cultural exchange but also strengthens ties between the two countries,” he said, adding that the event has become a symbol of bilateral friendship.
The event was co-organised by Sunway Pyramid, Visit Malaysia 2026, The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur and the Japanese Embassy.
It was supported by Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia, Tourism Selangor, Subang Jaya City Council, police, with Common Market as market partner.
The celebration was attended by Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim, Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki, Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim and Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling.
Also present were Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur president Yoshiaki Okabe, Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur president Kosuke Makino, Sunway Malls Selangor chief executive officer Jason Chin and Sunway Malls marketing and business innovation general manager Loo Hoey Theen.
The festival commenced on the first day with an electrifying taiko drum performance.
At the heart of the event was the Bon Odori dance, where participants gathered around the yagura stage to perform a traditional Japanese folk dance.
Visitors also enjoyed yukata rentals and street photography throughout the event, while special guest performances by MBSJ, Tourism Selangor and Sunway Lagoon added a uniquely Malaysian touch.
The Common Market featured more than 100 booths offering authentic Japanese street food, handmade crafts, festival merchandise and traditional games such as kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping).
