06/07/2026 08:52 PM

Bon Odori Returns To Sunway City Kuala Lumpur For 50th Edition On July 11-12

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- The Bon Odori festival will return to Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL) on July 11 and 12 for its 50th edition, featuring two nights of performances, Japanese street food, cultural activities and a spectacular fireworks show.

What began in 1977 as an intimate gathering for Japanese expatriates to keep their children connected to Japanese culture has grown into a landmark annual event on Malaysia’s cultural calendar.

In a statement, Sunway Pyramid said the festival will open with an electrifying taiko drum performance, setting the tone for a weekend of culture and community at the SCKL Open Car Park (opposite Sunway Resort Hotel).

“The heart of the festival remains the Bon Odori dance during both evenings -- a traditional Japanese folk dance rooted in the Obon season, in which participants move in a circle around a central yagura drum tower, drawing on shared rhythm, remembrance, and a spirit of togetherness that transcends borders,” it said.

Festival-goers can also look forward to a fireworks show on Day 1, a Yukata Rental Experience with street photography, as well as special guest performances by Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Tourism Selangor and Sunway Lagoon.

Meanwhile, The Common Market, spanning over 100 booths, will offer a spread of Japanese street food and snacks, handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind festival finds, with options for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors.

Traditional games such as Kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping) will also be available for families and first-timers alike.

Sunway Malls group managing director HC Chan said the company was proud that SCKL continues to serve as the home of one of Malaysia's most cherished cultural celebrations, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Malaysia and Japan.

This year’s Bon Odori festival is jointly organised by Sunway Pyramid, Visit Malaysia 2026, The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur (JCKL), The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, honouring Japanese heritage and five decades of warm friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Malaysia.

The celebration is also supported by The Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia, Tourism Selangor, MBSJ and the Royal Malaysia Police, with Common Market serving as the market partner.

Aligned with Visit Selangor Year 2026, Sunway Pyramid said the festival draws a diverse crowd of local and international visitors, amplifying Malaysia’s appeal as a cultural and event destination.

“By showcasing Japan's vibrant traditions in the heart of SCKL, the festival supports the local economy and elevates the broader tourism landscape through an experience that resonates well beyond the event grounds,” the statement read.

Running from 4 pm to 11 pm on both days, the festival offers free admission, with visitors required to register via the website from June 15 to secure their spot.

Sunway Pyramid said the festival is conveniently accessible via public transport -- LRT (Kelana Jaya Line to USJ 7), KTM (Port Klang Line to Setia Jaya), and BRT (to Sunway Lagoon Station), or from Sunway Pyramid, Sunway GEO Avenue, and Sunway Square Mall via the Canopy Walk.

For those driving, ample parking is available at nearby locations, including Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Resort Hotel, Menara Sunway and The Pinnacle.

-- BERNAMA


 

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