Bon Odori Festival 2012 盆踊り

Bon Odori has been gaining popularity as a festival celebrated by Japanese in Malaysia.

This year is the 36th year for Bon Odori.

The theme this year is 30th anniversary of Malaysia “Look East” policy promoted by Malaysian ex-Prime Minister. The program resulted in student exchange program and economy development of the two countries.

I just got back from Tokyo and really hope the for the past 30 years, Malaysian would know how to keep the public toilet clean. If you have been visiting Bon Odori in Shah Alam or Penang, you could notice the number of dustbins prepared for the public. Relooking into the mess left behind on New Year eve every year, perhaps Malaysia still need any 30 years to ‘look east’.

One area Malaysian can easily catch up or surpass Japanese is our interest for food.

There were plenty of Japanese beverages to be tried out.

Many Malaysian love Bon Odori because there will be plenty of Japanese foods and beverages to satisfy our appetite.

The second fun activity to be able to dress up in Japanese Yukata.

There are not many occasions for Malaysia to dress in Yukata and walk in public. I have one but it was my bath robe. I caught the ladies exchanging slippers (probably test out if it was comfortable). So accessories are important to make one look more ‘Japanese’ for the festival.

The third activity would be taking lots of pictures (or to be photographed).

If you dress up in the colourful Yukata, guarantee you will be invited to pose for the eager shutter bugs.

So don’t be surprise to see the number of iPad/iPhone and cameras in the stadium.

Many were happy to pose for camera, and make 2012 a memorable year.

I reserve one picture for the ladies out there (in case someone says I am bias).

I think the people who enjoy the most are dating couple or children.

Children got the permission to eat lots of ice on the hot day, and can join the adult for big dancing party (into the night).

Of course, kids have to first learn how to dance (by looking at the performers/dancers on stage).

The big crowd joined the dancing routine by circulating the center stage.

We left before 8pm, and large crowd still swamping into the industrial park. I guess the number of visitors could exceed 10,000 tonight at Panasonic Sport Complex (Shah Alam).