Bon Odori: Beyond Cross-Cultural Between Malaysia and Japan

On the 14^th July, one of the biggest cultural events was held in Malaysia. It was called ‘Bon Odori Festival 2012’.

I have never heard about this festival before. Thanks to a local friend who invited us to this event, we now have a better image about this Festival. From what I experience, Bon Odori is a cross culture event of Malaysia and Japan. Nowadays, many of young Malaysians adopt the Japanese culture. When I walked in Jalan Bukit Bintang (KL Hotspot), I found several Japanese Restaurants and Clothing Stores. 

Anyway, I followed the local intern, Jin to Bon Odori held in Shah Alam: Stadium Matsushita. Although we got a bit lost in Shah Alam, there was no way we could miss the trail of people wearing Japanese traditional clothing: YUKATA, walking the distance to the Stadium itself. Why were there so many young people wearing other country’s traditional clothing? That’s because it is a Japanese traditional dance festival. Young Malaysian people know how to respect different cultures, not to mention really enjoy learning different cultures. 

By the time we got there, many Japanese stalls were already selling food and beverages. We quickly got our food before the crowd started to arrive. There were also many stalls selling various things: big-framed spectacle, foam spray, portable fans, kites and the list goes on. Frankly speaking, when I arrived in here, I didn’t know what I should do. But, after few minutes, I settled into the crowd and went with the flow. 

Even though the two countries had bad blood between them in the past, today, they are closer than anyone ever imagined. The past was what happened. To me, the present is more important. The real spirit behind these cross-culture events is not to force someone to adapt to an unfamiliar culture, but enjoy and understand together for better life. In this context, Bon Odori was a successful event in Malaysia.

The Bon Dance was the main attraction in the festival. Everyone would just look upon the stage and mimic the dancers’ actions. Doing this in a large crowd make me very happy and comfortable. It was like a Midsummer Night’s Dream…

People warming up to the beat of the drums

As the day turns to night...

Everyone PARTY~

[Bon Odori’s meaning]

There are a lot of traditional dances in Japan, but the one of the most famous and common dance is Bon dance, which called ‘Bon Odori’ in Japanese. People dance Bon Dance in the Bon Festival. The Bon Festival is held every summer whatever country.

Bon means ‘welcoming ancestor’ souls’ and ‘holding a memorial service’ for the souls. August every year is a Bon week, and Bon continues for about a week. During Bon weeks, sometimes all family have gathering and held a memorial service for their ancestors, and enjoy being in a reminiscent mood. This traditional comes from Buddhism in China.

[The meaning of Cross-Cultural Communication]

   The key to effective cross-cultural communication is an understanding. First, it is necessary that people understand the communication problems from different culture, and tries to overcome these problems. Second, it is important to assume that one’s efforts will not always be successful, and adjust one’s behavior appropriately.
 

  For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be forgiving and patient like a Guide rather than hostile and aggressive like Coach, if one wants to solve the problem. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said.
 

  The key for resolving conflicts is listening and thinking. These two help in cross cultural communication as well. When things seem to be going badly, stop or slow down and think. What could be going in here? Is it possible I misinterpreted what they said, or they misinterpreted me? Often misinterpretation is the source of the problem.
 

   Effective communication with people of different cultures is absolutely challenging. Cultures provide people with ways of thinking-ways of seeing, hearing, and interpreting the world. Same words can mean different things to people from different cultures. When the languages are different, and translation has to be used to communicate, the potential for misunderstandings increases.
 

   It is very difficult for people who have different cultures live together. However, if we just approach carefully and try to understand one another, it will happen, given enough time.

Blogged by Lisa SeungYeon Kim