Yosakoi dance is the very reason for our event, but we also have lots of activities and attractions to keep our audience entertained.  Throughout the years we have introduced new elements to Penang Yosakoi to make this a truly evolving and exciting Japanese themed event!

 

2013  First ever event with featured horse carriage rides and Little Japan in Penang bazaars and Cosplay Parade.

 

2014  In addition to a colourful Samba Team from Tokyo, attractions also featured an Obakeyashiki - Japanese Ghost House, Tsunahiki - Tug-o-war and Cosplay Competition.

 

2016  Our iconic Yagura was put to good use with 2 hours of non-stop Obon odori where we taught the audiences 8 different types of popular Bon Odori from all over Japan. Also joined by the first Zumba parade with over 250 participants from the PWDC!

 

2017  Featuring Awa Odori - the precursor of the Yosakoi from the island of Shikoku, participants also joined in to create the longest outdoor Conga line! Also featured a singing competition to promote Japanese style artists!

 

2018  Featured Hanagasa Ondo from Yamagata prefecture, the saffron flower-adorned hats lead the way for the parade, while first-ever skateboard competition was held in celebration of the 5 new sports indoctrinated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  Plus we had a mochitsuki demo and tasting session courtesy of the Japanese Consulate. 

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2019 saw numerous new attractions - a Light of the East structure created by Equatorial Academy, River of Lights Toronagashi, Charity 2nd hand sales, an appearance by Miss Penang Yosakoi 2019 and the Penang Sakura 333 project to create Penang's own Sakura season. We even created Penang's own dance called the Penang Sakura Ondo in a collaboration between Malaysian and Japanese musicians.  Watch the video and learn the dance so that you can join us in the parade the next time! Click on this link for the video.

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2020 was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute in consideration of the health of our participants as covid began to spread in Malaysia. While we lament the lost opportunities of the past 2 years, it has been an impetus for us to evolve and improve for the better... 

 

And so we come to 2022... We have boldly declared that Yosakoi Penang is back with a vengeance, with a new date, a new location and renewed focus on international culture, diversity and heritage. We're back to showcase how Penang creatively celebrates Malaysia Day as a community in unity and strength! So see you all on 17th September 2022 at Karpal Singh Drive!