JOHOR BARU: The Bon Odori, an annual Japanese cultural festival that will be held at the Eco Business Park here on July 23, is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors.
Japan Graduates of Malaysia (JAGAM) southern branch chairman Datuk Dr Siow Kuang Ling said the festival was the 17th to be held in Johor since 1999.
The festival this year is sponsored by property developer, Eco World Development Group Bhd.
Dr Siow said Bon Odori, which is named after a Japanese summer folk dance, has received huge response from Johor folk as well as the Japanese expatriate community, which currently number more than 1,000 in the state.
He said the first Bon Odori festival in Johor was held in 1999 in Batu Pahat, and then it was held around Johor Baru in subsequent years.
"In 2012, the one-night festival recorded 30,000 visitors, while in 2013, the two-night festival attracted 50,000 visitors," he said.
He said JAGAM's southern branch began collaborating with Eco World Development since last year for the Bon Odori. The 2015 Bon Odori was held at the property developer's Eco Botanic in Iskandar Puteri and attracted 23,000 people.
"Eco World Development did a great job in making the festival come to life. This year, the festival expects to attract more than 50,000 visitors," he said.
Meanwhile, Eco World Development divisional general manager, Hoe Mei Ling said this year's Bon Odori was themed Sakari, which means "pinnacle of a new era."
"Visitors can enjoy 92 booths selling Japanese food, and provide visitors with a chance to play Japanese cultural games. There will also be a photography competition, stage performances and lucky draw, among other things.
"It is an opportunity to gather the Japanese community and expose the folk in Johor to the culture of Japan," said Hoe.
The attractions include Japan-themed decorations such as Torii Gate, Sakura Trees Street, The Maneki (Giant Lucky Cat), Kokeshi Dolls (Giant Japanese Doll), Chochin (Japanese Lantern), Koinobori(Japanese Carp Fish) and Tokyo Tower.
The festival will run from 3pm to 10pm, with the highlight being the Bon Odori dance.