By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SUBANG JAYA, July 13 — The number of tourists from Japan visiting Selangor rose to 132,526 last year, making them one of the main contributors to the state’s foreign tourist arrivals.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato' Ng Suee Lim said the figure marks a 20.5 per cent increase compared to 110,018 visitors in 2023.
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State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato' Ng Suee Lim delivers his speech during the 49th edition of the Bon Odori Festival at the Sunway Pinnacle in Subang Jaya on July 12, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“We believe that with the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Selangor and Japan, this upward trend will carry on in the years to come,” he said.
Ng was speaking at the officiation of the 49th edition of the Bon Odori Festival 2025 in Sunway City yesterday, which was also attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki.
He added that Selangor is actively promoting various tourism destinations by participating in international expos, including those in Japan.
“I am confident that with the various promotional efforts and programmes in place, we will be able to meet the target of eight million tourist arrivals to Selangor with RM11.4 billion in tourism receipts,” Ng said.
Meanwhile, the councillor said the annual event is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors and is considered one of the key platforms for strengthening interethnic relations in Selangor.
“I believe events like this can enhance cross-cultural connectivity between communities.
“We welcome the organisation of more multicultural festivals across the state, which clearly reflect Selangor’s identity as a model state in promoting unity and harmony, in line with the Kita Selangor spirit,” he said.
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Visitor Shiina Richard, 27, speaking to Media Selangor during the 49th edition of the Bon Odori Festival at the Sunway Pinnacle in Subang Jaya on July 12, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
The festival also caught the interest of youths, including 27-year-old Shiina Richard, who attended for the third time due to her passion for Japanese culture and desire to experience the festive atmosphere first-hand.
“I usually look for Japanese food here because some items are hard to find elsewhere. I am also learning Japanese because I admire their culture,” she said.
Japanese citizen Mihiro Tomachi, 26, who works and resides in Malaysia, described the festival as a heartfelt tribute to her homeland’s culture and a comforting reminder of home.
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Japanese expatriate Mihiro Tomachi, 26, speaking to Media Selangor during the 49th edition of the Bon Odori Festival at the Sunway Pinnacle in Subang Jaya on July 12, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“I was surprised to find a festival related to Japan being held in Malaysia. It is wonderful, with many attractions including the food and more,” she said.
At around 6.45pm, the crowd was treated to the Bon Odori dance, performed in a circular formation around a drum tower (yagura), accompanied by the rhythmic beat of taiko drums — symbolising unity, shared memories, and human connection.
Just before 8pm, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari also graced the vibrant Japanese summer festival, which drew crowds from all walks of life.
Held over two days at the open-air car park of Sunway City, the event ran from 4pm to 11pm. Members of the public began queuing as early as 3pm, with many donning traditional Japanese attire, including kimonos, yukatas, and hakamas.
The festival also featured over 100 stalls selling Japanese food, including sushi, ramen, grilled meats, and gyoza, as well as handcrafted items and unique souvenirs, which proved to be a major draw for visitors.
Celebrated in Malaysia for nearly half a century, Bon Odori not only promotes Japanese culture but also commemorates the enduring friendship between the two nations, especially significant in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025.
On June 8, 2022, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj stated that cultural celebrations like Bon Odori foster goodwill between Malaysians and the Japanese community living in the country.
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Visitors enjoying themselves and celebrating the 49th edition of the Bon Odori Festival at the Sunway Pinnacle in Subang Jaya on July 12, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
