After 5 years ‘Bon Odori’ vibes again

After a five-year break, the ‘Bon Odori’ festival came back to life recently at the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), Maharagama in collaboration with NYSC, Japanese Solidarity Association and Embassy of Japan to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

Bon Odori is a Japanese tradition originating from the custom of welcoming and sending back the spirits of ancestors who are believed to return to this mortal world once a year and it is widely celebrated in Japan as the heart and soul of the Japanese cultural tradition.

This year, Bon Odori dance was presented by the students of the Japanese School in Colombo and Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI), followed by dance and Japanese drum performance by the students of the Japanese School, along with Karate demonstration, dance and drum performances by the students and children of NYSC. To give the festival an elevated vibe Nami Makioka and Momoko Ibusuki, Japanese traditional musicians who flew from Japan to Sri Lanka to join this event gave a lively musical performance.

Minister of Youth and Sports Roshan Ranasinghe, Japan Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki, NYSC Chairman Dr. Thiran De Silva and LNBTI President Prof. Ananda Kumara and many others participated in this event. The spectators enjoyed dancing, performances as well as delectable Japanese food on the stands presented by Nihonbashi, Ginza Hohsen, Kuuraku, The Sushi Bar Samurai, Ichi-zen and NYSC cooking class.

Bon Odori this year was especially notable given it was held at NYSC premises which was built with the contribution from the government of Japan. 

This special event was covered by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and a special TV program was aired as well. Link for the TV program by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=84X9jtPNV4U.