Bon Odori festival in Nusajaya to draw 100,000 people

The biggest Japanese cultural festival, Bon Odori festival is set to turn Eco Botanic Commercial Centre in Nusajaya into a huge carnival venue this weekend (July 22-23). (Photo taken from Bon Odori Johor by JAGAM Facebook page)

JOHOR BARU: The biggest Japanese cultural festival, Bon Odori festival is set to turn Eco Botanic Commercial Centre in Nusajaya into a huge carnival venue this weekend (July 22-23).

Organised by Japan Graduate’s Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) southern branch, the two-day festival which is set to be bigger and more exciting will have more than 80 booths selling variety of Japanese food selections as well as plenty of games and activities for visitors to try.

Themed Sekai, which means “the world”, the festival has lined up activities like stage performances which include traditional dances, special appearances by Youtube sensation the trio performance group known as the 3 Gaga Heads and also the legendary Mr Cherry, the first Japanese to holds the most titles in Guinness World Record!

Making a debut this year is a Japanese karaoke competition. On top of that, there will also be lucky draws, offering prizes like flight tickets to any part of Japan via All Nippon Airways (ANA), Apple mini iPad, Toshiba TV, food vouchers to exclusive Japanese restaurants and many more.

JAGAM chairman, Datuk Dr Siow Kuang Ling said the festival is a platform to strengthen the Japan-Malaysia relationship as well as an opportunity to expose the local folks to the Japanese culture while attracting international visitors including from the neigbouring countries.

“It will also be a huge advantage as Eco Botanic Commercial Centre is strategically located venue and offers many great attractions including Legoland and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town,” he added.

Held annually in Johor since 1999, the festival is expected to draw at least 100,000 visitors. Last year, the event recorded more than 51,000 visitors on a day alone. This year’s event is supported by the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and sponsored by property developer, Eco World Development Group Bhd.

Admission is free. There’s also free paking and shuttle buses. For more info, visit Bon Odori Johor by JAGAM Facebook page.

-nst online.