Sunway City burst into a kaleidoscope of lights, music, and mouth-watering aromas over the weekend as thousands thronged the 49th edition of Bon Odori — a beloved Japanese summer festival that made its much-anticipated return in grand style.
For the first time ever, the festival stretched across two days (12 and 13 July), transforming Sunway City into a vibrant cultural playground from sunset till late night. Visitors were treated to a sensory feast: the rhythmic beat of taiko drums, graceful Bon Odori dances, and the alluring scent of Japanese street food wafting through more than 100 pop-up stalls curated in collaboration with Pingmin Market.
Originally a modest gathering for Japanese expatriates to keep their cultural roots alive, Bon Odori has since evolved into one of Malaysia’s most anticipated annual cultural events. This year’s edition drew a diverse crowd eager to embrace the spirit of friendship and unity between Japan and Malaysia.
“This festival is a testament to Selangor’s multicultural identity and the ‘Kita Selangor’ spirit,” said Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, EXCO for Local Government & Tourism. “As we charge ahead with Visit Selangor Year 2025, these shared celebrations continue to strengthen our community ties and reinforce Selangor’s standing as a leading cultural destination.”
Echoing that sentiment, HC Chan, CEO of Sunway Malls, described Bon Odori as a “timely and meaningful” cultural exchange, highlighting Sunway’s long-standing ties with Japanese partners in business and education.
The festival also showcased a distinctly Malaysian twist this year, with performances by Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Tourism Selangor, and Sunway Lagoon sharing the stage with traditional Japanese acts. Visitors could be seen swaying along in the signature Bon Odori dance, forming a massive moving circle around the yagura (drum tower), a sight as heartwarming as it was festive.
Among the dignitaries present were His Excellency Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; ADUN Subang Jaya Michelle Ng, and key representatives from Tourism Malaysia and The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, all underscoring the strong bilateral relationship between both countries.
Beyond the cultural performances, festival goers indulged in a smorgasbord of Japanese treats from takoyaki to fluffy matcha desserts and browsed rows of handmade crafts and quirky festival merchandise, blending Japanese artistry with local flair.
Easily accessible by public transport and strategically located in Sunway City’s walkable township, the festival was further supported by AirAsia Ride’s special promotions, making it an event for everyone to join without hassle.
As the final taiko drum beats faded into the night, Bon Odori 2025 wrapped up not just as a weekend celebration, but as a shining symbol of cross-cultural appreciation and communal joy, a perfect encore for Visit Selangor Year 2025.
