A show to remember: The Softbank Yosakoi Team One from Tokyo performing during the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025 at Esplanade in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Esplanade here came alive for the 10th edition of the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025.
Some 30 local and foreign teams, with over 1,200 dancers combined, took turns performing well-choreographed routines that had spectators cheering yesterday evening.
Receiving a warm welcome were two Japanese professional Yosakoi troupes – SoftBank Yosakoi Team One from Tokyo and the Ioriwa Tokiwa Yosakoi Team from Nagoya – who performed here for the first time.
Their local counterparts, hailing mostly from schools and institutions in Penang, Kedah, Perak, Johor, Perlis, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, were equally impressive. Clad in unique costumes and waving giant flags, their numbers had elements of local culture.
They also vied for the first-ever Yosakoi Awards, which were given out at the end of the night.
Emi Yamazaki, one of the event’s main organisers, said this edition – themed “Inspired by Japan, Uniquely Penang” – showed that the parade has grown to an international standard and is something everyone can be proud of.
Present to officiate the occasion were Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida and Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Wong said the event exemplified the state’s shift in strategy towards experience-led and community-driven tourism.
“This means investing in events, programmes and partnerships that invite people to do more than just visit.
“We want them to engage, participate and return home with stories that will stay with them,” he added.
Yamazaki was also pleased to see the parade return to the Esplanade – where it was held annually from 2013 before shifting to Karpal Singh Drive from 2022 to 2024 – as they also wanted to promote Penang as a cultural heritage destination.
“With the City Hall, Town Hall and Fort Cornwallis as part of the parade backdrop, it showcased Penang’s charms and will attract more foreign participation in years to come,” she added.
The event was capped off with a Japanese idol concert featuring several popular groups.
