Still hungover from your last Japan trip? Love all things Japanese? Want to experience the traditional Japanese’s matsuri culture? We have great news for you! The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur has just recently announced the return of this year’s Bon Odori!
Set to take place on the 23rd of July 2016, the 40th Bon Odori will once again be held at the Panasonic Sports Complex, Shah Alam. What started out as a small affair for Japanese expatriates in 1976 grew into a full fledged festival that averages 36,000 participants annually. This is the single largest Japanese cultural event in Malaysia and possibly the largest Obon festival in the world outside Japan.
Tentative Programme:
4:30pm Gates Open
7:00pm Opening – Drum Performance by Japanese School Students
7:10pm Opening Address by the Organizing Chairman
7:15pm Bon-Odori Dance – Part 1
7:45pm Dance Performance by Japanese Hogaku Association
8:00pm Bon-Odori Dance – Part 2
8:30pm Guest Drum Performance “WaDaiko” / Selangor Cultural Dance
9:00pm Bon-Odori Dance – Part 3
9:30pm Closing – Drum Performance by Japanese School Students and Closing Address
9:35pm End
Getting There:
As there are limited parking space at the event venue, it is highly advisable to not drive there. You may be lucky with the parking but imagine exiting the carpark with everyone else at the same time. It can get pretty congested (speaking from past experience). Instead, take the KTM to Shah Alam and then hop on to the free shuttle bus arranged by the organiser. The shuttle bus service is available from 4pm to 11pm.
Dress Code:
Traditionally, participants wear the yukata, or light cotton kimonos so do wear them if you have one. If you don’t, and want to have the full festival vibes, you can rent one from Koori No Ya. Otherwise, light t-shirts and pants with sandals or sneakers is good enough. DO NOT wear heels as the event is held on a synthetically-turfed field and you may damage the field.
Food & Drinks
There will be a variety of Japanese festival food, local food, snacks and drinks sold at the venue. Get more friends to come along so you can try different types of food! On a side note, it is advisable to drink LOTS of water to keep yourself hydrated. It’s going to very humid, crowded and you’ll be dancing around. Trust us, the last thing you want is to get injured or dehydrated.
Have you attended any previous editions of Bon Odori? Drop us a comment and share with us your experience!
40th Bon Odori 2016
Date: 23 July 2016
Time: 4.00pm – 9:35pm
Venue: Kompleks Sukan Negara/ Panasonic Sports Complex
Admission: Free entry
Facebook: Bon Odori Selangor Festival 2016
Also read: 6 All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Buffets In Klang Valley Under RM60!
Header image source: Wikimedia
