Bon Odori - July 2011

The Bon Odori has been a recurring event in Malaysia for 35 years now. Celebrated as a custom to honor the deceased, in Malaysia it is symbolized with a lot of people dressed up in their Japanese best and dancing in a circle around the stage.

For a few years now, it has been organized at the Panasonic stadium in Shah Alam. Getting there was quite easy, trying to find a parking spot when you're already late on the other hand… well, luckily they had a few people showing the drivers to designated parking areas, but come to late and you could end up like me, walking almost 20 minutes to get to your car. Other alternatives include taking a train and then a feeder bus to the event. But in most of my experiences, Ive come to realize that taking a feeder bus to any location is pretty easy. It's the trying to find your way back that's always a lot more difficult.

(The main stage)

(There will be people on the stage leading the dance)

(Hold hands and form a circle)
Once you get there, you will see a small stage in the middle of the field. There would be a group of drummers working out the beat, and a group of dancers surrounding them. The dancers are quite young (mostly high school kids I presume) and are decked out in their kimonos. They help lead the dance movements. The movements themselves are quite simple, and they do two repeat rounds per song. As a participant, you just join the crowd at the bottom surrounding the stage, and follow the steps of the onstage dancers. Typically you also end up moving in a circle.

(A cute young one runs by)

It is quite fun to watch and to participate. A lot of people come dressed in their kimonos (even the headscarf wearing ladies) and the young kids. Everyone has a good time and gamely links up to perfect strangers for the dance. As for the dance, joining it will put a smile on your face and good exercise on your legs.


(Dancing around the stage)

For those who may not be as interested in the dancing, there is also an entire back area where they sell Japanese goods. Mostly involving food, drinks and snacks, it's easy to find sushi, bento boxes and Japanese ice cream here. You could also bring a mat, buy some food and have a picnic on the field, watching the Odori dances.

For those who missed this years event and would like to join next years event, its usually held on 16th of July (or that weekend). Good fun if you would like to try it at least once in your life.