Over 5,400 persons joined the 23rd Manila Japanese Association Bon Odori on Saturday at the Manila Japanese School in Taguig City.

Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya thanked the participants who joined Bon Odori as their presence made the "event really great".

"Thank you very much for everybody, firstly to those who have been engaged in the preparation (and) arrangement of this wonderful event", Endo said. ''Secondly, to all those women, those working for the gender equality since it is the International Women's Day today", he added.

Japanese Association Manila Inc. president Okamoto Kazunori said in his opening remarks: ''Thank you for joining us today in Bon Odori dance, a wonderful event where you can experience authentic Japanese culture without going to Japan so you can save money".

"So please enjoy eating (and) dancing", he added.

Fifteen stalls joined the event and offered various food, services, activities, games, and other products during the festivity.

The participating stalls were The Daily Manila Shimbun. Ookini, Ipponyari, Shonan, Unakichi, Sekitori Japanese Restaurant, Takoichi, Hidamari Restaurant, Pocari Sweat, T-House, Bakeshop Tomono, Mos Burger, Kirin Ichiban x Minnano Supermarket, Estate Wine, Onigiri Monster, Action, Act III, Dear Me, and JAMI. Marie Manalili/DMS