Co-organised by the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur, the Japanese embassy, and Sunway City, it is supported by the Selangor government as part of Visit Selangor Year 2025.

While previous editions of the event have been held at the Shah Alam National Sports Complex, this year, Bon Odori will be held for the first time at the open-air carpark of Sunway City.

Admission is free, with gates opening at 4pm. The opening drum performance will begin at 6.30pm, followed by cultural showcases by Selangor’s Perbadanan Adat Melayu & Warisan and dancers from Sunway Lagoon.

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese summer event featuring folk dances performed to the rhythm of drums and flutes. It was first held in Malaysia in 1977 as a small gathering for Japanese expatriates, but has since grown into a major cultural event attracting more than 30,000 visitors annually.

Attendees can enjoy Japanese food and drinks, and participate in a large folk dance around the central Yagura stage. Students from the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur will also perform in traditional attire on the first day.

Organisers have advised the public to use public transport or e-hailing services due to limited parking and expected congestion around the area.

Notably, controversy brewed over Bon Odori in 2022 when then religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad claimed the celebration was “influenced by elements of other religions” and urged Muslims not to take part in the festival.

Still, that didn’t stop some 35,000-50,000 people from joining in the revelry that year. Now you, too, can experience the merriment first-hand this weekend!

49th Bon Odori Festival

When:
July 12 & 13 (Saturday & Sunday), 4pm-11pm

Where:
Open carpark, Sunway City (opposite Sunway Resort Hotel)

For location, click here.

Registration is recommended for those aged between 18 and 60. To register, click here. To find out more, click here and here.