Dance, Food & Fireworks at the Bon Odori 2013

Everyone gets a Uchiwa (fan)

Bon festivals are celebrated annually in Summer in Japan and other countries where there are Japanese expatriate and immigrant communities including Malaysia. Although celebrated on a smaller scale outside of Japan, it is also more about Japanese culture and entertainment, and less associated with the original religious (Buddhist) element of ancestor honor/commemoration. Bon festivals include the traditional dance of Bon Odori.

The Bon Odori 2013 was held on 6th July at the Kompleks Sukan Negara Shah Alam/Panasonic Sports Complex in Section 21. I had never been to one before although this festival, for some time already, has been organised by the Japanese expatriate communities in Pulau Pinang, Ipoh, Shah Alam (for Klang Valley), Johor and Kota Kinabalu. So when A had an assignment at the Bon Odori recently, I tagged along to see what I had missed all these years.

I had the opportunity to watch the dancers do their last rehearsals in the indoor stadium before going out to browse the 'fair grounds' for Japanese food and paraphernalia. If one wants to really get into the mood of this summer festival, one could sport a cotton kimono or yukata. Anyway I never saw more people in kimonos when I was in Japan than I did at the Bon Odori in Shah Alam! There were also a fair number of Malay girls in tudung wearing kimonos. (I am guessing that maybe they were formerly students in Japan or even still studying there because the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia is also involved).

Dancers from the Japan Club get ready in the indoor stadium
(CNB 2013)

With a 'little Miss Japan' (Maz 2013)

There were two 'stages', one raised (yagura), the other on the field/track. Actually the yagura had the dancers in full view of the people below purposely, so that the public could also participate by following what the dancers on the yagura were doing - sort of line dancing, but in circles. Great fun! The repetitive movements of the dance and the mesmerising drum music was a pull factor to join in.

Dancers on the yagura (raised stage) under the toro nagashi
 or floating lanterns (CNB 2013)

Dancers (public) down below (CNB 2013)

For food and drinks, there were the Japanese food stalls run by Sakae Sushi, Yakult, Sushi King, among many others to complete the Japanese 'theme'. Many Japanese companies take part to promote their products.

Yakult mascot & staff Mazlin (CNB 2013)

My dinner was from Sakae Sushi - yummy! (CNB 2013)

The Bon Odori ended with a bang - literally. The most magnificent fireworks lighted up the sultry Shah Alam sky, marking the end of the dance festival.

Fireworks across the Shah Alam sky (CNB 2013)

I look forward to Bon Odori 2014, if not for the dance and food, then surely for the spectacular fireworks display.