Fifty years on, the beat of the taiko drum still draws a crowd. The 50th Bon Odori 2026 is returning to Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL) on 11 and 12 July 2026, marking half a century of one of Malaysia’s most beloved Japanese cultural celebrations with 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.
This year’s milestone edition is co-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 while celebrating five decades of warm friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Malaysia. It is also further supported by The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry Malaysia, Tourism Selangor, Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), and Polis Diraja Malaysia, with Common Market as Market Partner.
Aligned with Visit Selangor Year 2026, 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.
HC Chan, Group Managing Director of Sunway Malls, said: “As we mark the 50th edition of Bon Odori, we are proud that Sunway City Kuala Lumpur continues to be the home of one of Malaysia’s most cherished cultural celebrations, facilitating not only cultural exchange but strengthening the ties between the two countries.”
Kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping)
Day 1 at the Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Open Car Park (opposite Sunway Resort Hotel) will open with an electrifying taiko drum performance, setting the tone for a weekend of culture and community. 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.
Festival-goers can also look forward to a fireworks show on Day 1, and a Yukata Rental Experience with street photography. Adding a local flavour to the celebrations, special guest performances by MBSJ, Tourism Selangor, and Sunway Lagoon will bring a distinctly Malaysian warmth to the night.
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.
Running from 4 PM to 11 PM on both days, 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.
As Sunway City Kuala Lumpur marks 50 years of Bon Odori, this edition promises to be the most memorable yet: a celebration of culture, community, and a friendship between two nations that has only grown stronger with time. Whether a returning fan or experiencing Bon Odori for the first time, come dressed for the occasion and ready for an unforgettable weekend.
Admission is free! Simply register via the website to secure your spot. Registration opens from 15 June 2026. Attendees must register in advance to enter.
Visit their website or follow @sunway_pyramid on social media for more information about the 50th Bon Odori 2026.
Share your favourite moments with Sunway: #BonOdori2026 #SunwayCityKL #SunwayPyramid
Also read: A Historic Leap for Malaysian Cheerleading
