Perak school regains crown at Japan street fest

The Star

13 hours ago

Machida (bottom row, in grey) and Wong (in red jacket) posing with winners GenTari SSeMP (left) and runner-up Enko (right) after the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025 at the Esplanade, George Town.— Photos: LIM BENG TATT and JEREMY TAN/The Star
AT the Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025, a 70-member troupe from Sekolah Seni Malaysia Perak reclaimed the National Yosakoi Cham­pion­­­­ship crown after just five days of preparation.
The troupe, GenTari SSeMP, edged out rivals and defending champions Enko from Kedah's SM Sultan Abdul Halim by just a few points.
Clad in white, red and gold outfits and wielding small wooden clappers, the 13 to 16-year-olds had put on a lively display at the Esplanade in George Town.
The troupe members erupted in joy when they were declared the overall winners – regaining the title they last held in 2023.
'We're ecstatic. This was totally unexpected as we only had a few days to rehearse due to the students' busy schedules.
'Our teamwork was what made the difference,' said teacher and choreographer Syaffiq Hambali.
Another Kedah team, Hokori from SM Sains Kubang Pasu, were third.
a local team putting on a show at the parade.
Fourth and fifth went to two Perak teams – Semesti Hikari from SM Sains Teluk Intan and Musashi Soran from SM Sains Bagan Datoh.
GenTari also bagged the Best Costume award while Hokori took home the Best Flag Waving accolade.
In the Junior Category, Penang groups almost made a clean sweep of the top five.
Kagayaku from SMK Seri Nibong was the best of those aged 12 and below.
Teams from D'Monte Kinder­garten, Prince of Wales Island International School and Stony­hurst International School Penang were second, third and fifth respectively, with only Kaisho from SMK Putrajaya Presint 11 (1) breaking the monopoly.
The parade's 10th edition featured a record 30 teams.
Each took turns delivering their routines in front of the historic Town Hall and City Hall.
Participants add creative touches by incorporating local fabric and reinterpreting traditional outfits.
Unlike most traditional dances, Yosakoi allows and even encou­rages freedom in choreography, costume and music.
This results in energetic performances that blend tradition with modern flair, which in turn creates a joyful and celebratory atmosphere for festival-goers.
Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida praised participants for creatively incorporating local elements into their routines.
'It's heart-warming to see how Malaysians have embraced Japa­nese culture and even enriched it in their own ways.
'You could feel the energy of everyone involved.
'I would also like to thank the state for allowing the event to be held in one of the best venues in George Town,' Ma­­­­chida said.
The parade was organised by Pink Hibiscus Club in collaboration with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) with support from the state government.
This year also featured the first Penang International Yosakoi Awards, which saw golds going to Enko and GenTari in the Malay­­­­sian segment.
Visiting Japanese professional troupes Softbank Yosakoi Team One from Tokyo and Ioriya To­­kiwa from Nagoya also received golds under the international segment.
(Back row from left) Pink Hibiscus Club president Emi Yamazaki, Wong and Machida posing with representatives of teams who received Penang International Yosakoi Awards.
Softbank Yosakoi team leader Masato Ohmori said he was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent shown by local participants, considering their young ages.
Ioriya Tokiwa assistant team leader Akihiro Minimura said the event also showed how Yosakoi could bring people from all walks of life together.
'When we dance, our ages and differences don't matter.
'We all become one and move in harmony.
'The passion showed by local spectators gave us energy and made us feel appreciated,' Minimura added.
Recently crowned Miss Yosakoi Penang 2025 Rian Yamazaki and last year's winner Jessie Lim also made their rounds to pose for photos with visitors.
Japanese children carrying a Mikoshi (portable shrine) for the customary water blessing ceremony at the start of Penang Yosakoi Parade 2025
For Yamazaki, being the event's ambassador was extra special as she had been part of the organising team working behind the scenes for many years.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the event epitomised the enduring friendship between Penang and Japan.
'Events like these are not just cultural exchanges but bridges of understanding that help us see the world from each other's eyes.
'They remind us that while we may speak different languages, we share common values.'
The night ended with a Japan Idol Concert and a fireworks display.