Bon Odori Festival in Malaysia
If there’s anything that can bring throngs of Malaysians out of their houses collectively, no matter how scorching the heat may get, it is the beloved Bon Odori Festival held annually in the country – and this year will be no exception. The much-anticipated Japanese festival in Malaysia just announced that it will be taking place on 22nd July 2023 at Shah Alam National Sports Complex Panasonic.
Highly anticipated annual festival that was launched in 1977
Bon Odori instalment at Lalaport BBCC in July 2023.
The Bon Odori Festival is making its rousing return this year at Shah Alam National Sports Complex Panasonic, with the promise of its usual fun activities – and of course, the iconic freebie fans that you receive upon admission. This year’s festival will be its 47th one after a brief hiatus during the pandemic, and is open to the public for free.
Launched way back in 1977 in Malaysia, the festival started out as a small celebration for Japanese expatriates in the country who wished to let their children learn more about Japanese culture and connect with their roots while abroad. Over the years, it burgeoned into a huge jubilant affair attracting tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike nationwide every year.
Collectively organised by The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur, and the Embassy of Japan, the festival also serves as a way to foster and promote the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Japan.
Japanese snacks, cultural performances and more
While Bon Odori will open to the public from 4.30pm onwards, you’ll want to be there early as the event is known to attract a crowd.
Once you’re past the snaking lines, head inside and revel in the vivacious ambience – picture people of all races and ages beautifully outfitted in kimonos or yukata, strolling around with the sound of Japanese pop-punk music blaring from stereos and filling the already animated air.
There are a bevy of pop-up stalls set to join the festival, offering a dizzying array of Japanese street food, beverages, and souvenirs. As there are plenty of activities to check out here, you’ll want to get fueled up on the food offerings such as yakitori, oden, and onigiri before the main celebration that will ensue two hours after the event’s grand opening.
Make your way to the main stage, where the event’s highlight will take place once the clock strikes 7pm – the Bon Odori dance.
The cultural dance sees dancers and performers taking centre stage on an elevated wooden platform called yagura, which gets illuminated with lanterns. Performers in traditional Japanese garb will dance to the sound of traditional Japanese drums or taiko beating to the tunes of folk songs.
Akin to a flash mob, visitors gather around the stage and are welcomed to participate and follow along with the dances – join in anyway if you have two left feet, that is precisely the magic of the event.
There will be various performances by young talents from the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur as well, which are slotted between the Bon Odori dances so you’ll get a chance to take a breather before launching back into the merry dance party again.
There is a free shuttle service available that transports guests from Shah Alam KTM station to the event venue. Do note that due to the amount of people who are expected to attend the festival, there will be quite a queue for the free shuttle as well.
Soak up Japanese culture at Bon Odori Festival 2023 at Shah Alam
Image credit: The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur
An evening of much merriment – alive with colours, sweet melodies, laughter, and good grub – it isn’t difficult to see how this popular Japanese summer festival is one that Malaysians look forward to every year. So bookmark your calendar, and get excited for this culturally spirited festival where you can dance the dusk away with Malaysians from all walks of life.
For more exciting events in Malaysia, here’s 29 live concerts and festivals in Malaysia in 2023 and Penang International Food Festival 2023 is back throughout June.
Admission: Free
Address: Shah Alam National Sports Complex (Panasonic), Persiaran Perkilangan, Seksyen 21, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor
Date: 22nd July 2023
Time: 7pm-9.15pm
Photography by Dennis Kong.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia
This article was first published on 21st June 2023, and updated on 19th July 2023.