Visitor Noor Aini Zulkifli, 41 (right), putting on a yukata for son Ahmad Rayyan Syauqi, five (middle) during the Bon Odori Festival 2022 in Penang. With them are Noor Aini's husband Mohd Zahanizan Abdul Razak (left) and their daughters Nur Alleeya Qisstinna, 18 (2nd left), and Nur Darrwissya Assreenna, 12 (2nd right).
GEORGE TOWN: Visitors to the Bon Odori Festival 2022 here in Penang got to immerse themselves in various aspects of Japanese culture.
There were stalls selling a variety of delicious treats while others did sales and rentals of colourful yukatas - a lighter version of the kimono worn in the summer.
Many took the opportunity to try them on and strolled around the Esplanade's field to take photos against a variety of backdrops.
Head nurse Noor Aini Zulkifli, 41, was seen helping her three children - Nur Alleeya Qisstina, 18, Nur Darrwissya Assreenna, 12 and Ahmad Rayyan Syauqi, five - put on the garments.
"It was a good opportunity to experience the culture of a different country. We've never been to Japan so it's nice to get a taste of it right here in Penang.
"Events like this can help strengthen the relationship between people of various backgrounds and make the world more harmonious," Noor Aini said of her first Bon Odori experience.
Also spotted were a quartet of university students - Simone Yee, Chiyien Lee and Go Ming Hui (sic), all 22, and Tay Zhao Ee, 21 - who opted for matching pink yukatas.
"We all like anime and Japanese culture. So when we found out about the event, we knew we had to come and experience the atmosphere," Yee shared.
There were also booths offering a variety of games and activities and the night ended with a spectacular fireworks display.
Also present were Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Consul-General of Japan in Penang Hiroyuki Orikasa and state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
