In my first letter, I said we would begin by listening. From 24 to 26 July, we are taking that promise to Centre Court at AEON Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn.
Open State is a Gold Sponsor of Tanabata Bon Odori Matsuri 2026. We will be there for all three days, meeting the people we hope to serve and learning from a festival built around participation.
At Tanabata, people write down a wish and hang it on bamboo. Bon Odori asks everyone to learn the rhythm and join the dance. Around them will be Japanese food and goods, mochitsuki, workshops, stage performances, and families spending the weekend together. Arrive curious, take part with respect, and share the evening with neighbours who arrived by a different path.
People in Johor already cross languages, customs, and borders in ordinary life. A Japanese summer festival here can carry its traditions with care and still feel open to the people around it. Local families can wear what feels right, try a dance, support a festival stall, and meet someone they would not otherwise have met. Respect makes that exchange possible.
Sponsorship gives us a responsibility to be present. Our team will answer questions about Open State, hear what residents find difficult, and meet businesses and volunteers who want to contribute. We want to learn which connections are missing and which opportunities people can create together.
If you are coming, stop by. Tell us what brought you, write your wish for Johor, and tell us what would make this place easier to call home. Bring your family, your questions, and your own way of taking part.
We will be at Centre Court from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on 24, 25, and 26 July. Come and say hello.