Bon Odori 2016

In celebration of 60 years of amiable diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, the Japanese Association Cebu Inc. (Jaci) is organizing this year’s Bon Odori Festival this weekend, Aug. 12-13, 4 p.m., at the Sugbo grounds, Cebu South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.

Considered a Japanese Summer Fiesta and held annually in Cebu, Bon Odori 2016 is the third festival organized since its inception. The event has been well received by Cebuanos, and this year is even more special, as the event is held concurrent to the Japan-Philippines friendship month, to further strengthen the sixdecade-long bond between Japan and the Philippines.

Bon Odori 2016 will be a twoday celebration showcasing cultural performances and delightful food, with the untiring effort of the association to bring the best performers and vendors for an enjoyable event. The program will include Karaoke, Yukata and Cosplay contest, Candy throwing, Omikoshi (Raising of the Portable Shrine), Mochi pounding, performances by Japanese singers and various Japanese local dances, Karate and Kendo performances, fireworks and many more activities. There will also be booths for authentic Japanese street food and drinks like ramen, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, mochi and dango.

This year, the festival will be held in a much larger and more easily accessible venue. Shuttle bus service will be provided for free. Buses are to be allocated for each route at Plaza Independencia - Sugbo Grounds, Mambaling Flyover - Sugbo Grounds and SM Seaside - Sugbo Grounds.

Bon Odori 2016 is organized by Jaci, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Japan Foundation Manila, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cebu, Cebu City Government, Cebu Province and the Department of Tourism.