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15th July 2023

A CULTURAL CELEBRATION AT BON ODORI JOHOR 2023


JOHOR BAHRU: The much-loved Bon Odori is back again this year after a three-year hiatus and Eco World Development Group Berhad (EcoWorld Malaysia) is proud to return as its main sponsor for the 5th year.

Organised by the Southern branch of Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), the event expects to draw in huge crowds as many are eager to celebrate and experience this Japanese event. Bon Odori serves as a great platform to cultivate Japanese culture in Malaysia and for all interested to learn more about each other’s culture.

With the theme of “SaiKou” (再興/prosperity after the pandemic), Bon Odori takes place in Eco Galleria, a shopping mall in Eco Botanic, Iskandar Puteri from 14 to 16 July 2023 (Friday to Sunday).

Its opening ceremony today was officiated by His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia. Also present were JAGAM President, Gary Tang Kok Lian and EcoWorld Malaysia President & CEO, Dato’ Chang Khim Wah.

The event offers over 200 booths, which is the largest ever in Bon Odori history, featuring everything Japanese, from its cuisine to fashion, crafts, souvenirs, snacks and Japanese cultural activities such as the Yukata experience, Japanese Rice Cake Pounding and more.

Not forgetting the not-to-be-missed performances such as the Yosakoi Dance with over 100 performers from Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, Wadaiko drum performance, Japanese martial arts performances – Karate and Aidiko, Cheer Dance performance from Singapore and the first glimpse of Banpaku Ondo, a dance for Osaka Expo 2025! One of the most famous Bon Odori traditional song and dance, Soran Bushi will also be performed by The Japanese School (Johor).

Experience the excitement of Japanese summer traditional games, including the Suikawari, a watermelon splitting game where participants are blind-folded and tasked to split watermelons into half using a wooden stick. Another fun game would be the ball version of Nagashi Somen, where festival-goers use chopsticks to catch balls flowing along a bamboo chute filled with water.

In the event line up for Bon Odori is also Johor’s largest inflatable water park, Ocean in the City where special Japanese summer festival activities such as Uchimizu will take place. Uchimizu is a 17th century Japanese tradition of cooling the surroundings by sprinkling water on the ground. Ocean in the City, which takes place the whole of July also offers battle games for the thrill-seekers.

The festival is also a great opportunity for visitors to take photos as Eco Galleria is filled with Instagrammable Japanese-themed decorations. Visitors also stand a chance at winning the photography competition and lucky draw prizes of ANA air tickets.

To encourage visitors to car pool, a special Bon Odori Grab promo code (GRAB2BONODORI) with a RM3 discount is available. Eco Galleria also offers complimentary parking at its multi-storey carpark.

Bon Odori 2023 also showcases the Eco Galleria mall with its unique a high-street themed shopping arcade. Strategically situated within the beautiful Eco Botanic township, it offers retail stores, diverse dining and entertainment choices and green spaces. With Jaya Grocer slated to open its doors in September 2023, the mall is set to be even more vibrant making now the perfect opportunity for those looking to own or lease units in this hotspot! Contact Eco Botanic at +6075715252 or visit www.ecoworld.my/ecobotanic.

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