2,500 join in Bon dance at Japanese Visitors dance Culture Night circling O~ IT /Io/,;)(JII If. Jason Santos the stage KOTA KINABALU: The Bon Odori or or called Bon dance got some 2,500 visitors "the Bon dancing in motion for about 35 min­ Odori utes following the rhythm of during Japanese music and beat of the the 'Taiko'drum, a type of a Japanese per­ Japanese cussion instrument, at the UMS Culture Chancellor Hall on Saturday evening. night. The dance is part of the Japanese Culture Night organised highly we will become polite too," The Bon Festival is a 500-year­ Penang and Shah Alam, Selangor. by the UMS Japanese Culture Club she said. old traditional Japanese Buddhist Among other highlights during to appreciate the country's culture Ang is "also the club's secretary custom to honor the spirits of one's the Bon Odori event was Karate and entertainment. and third year forestry student, ancestors normally, held in July 15, display by the State Sukma Team, "We did this because we wanted "The Bon Odori dance here has August 15 and' October. Japanese Aikido from the UMS to introduce Japanese culture to the . already been modernised. It is a com­ The festival has since evolved Aikido Club, Shorinji Kempo and a public. I love Japanese movies, bination of modern and some into a family reunion holiday in Yusakoi Dance performance by the drama, music and manga (Japanese research from youtube. The dancers some parts of Japan. UMS Art School as well as modern comic)," said Ang, a 22-year-old lass are from the UMS Art School," said Bon Festival is also celebrated Japanese dance performances. from Perak. ." Soo Pui Ching, 22, the backstage outside of Japan in countries like Stalls were also opened during And according to Ang, she was manager. Argentina, Brazil and China. It is the event selling Japanese food and attracted to the Japanese because Bon Odori or Bon Dance is a folk equivalent to the Chinese's Hungry drinks, including an exhibition' of their politeness. dance to welcome the spirits of the Ghost Festival. booth explaining the history of Bon "They are well-mannered and if dead, is part of the activities done While In Malaysia, the Bon Festivals, Japanese handicrafts we are close to them (Japanese) it is during the Bon Festival. Odori festivals are celebrated in and traditional costumes. .