Seattle has been a great place for different cultures to express their heritage. In the last 35 years, Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival has been involved in grassroots groundwork of empathetic co-existence through introduction of the old and contemporary traditions of Japan with hands on experiences, tastes, and visual opportunities. The award winning festival is now distinguishing itself through innovative outreach to the public at large all aspects of traditional Japanese art and culture to include contemporary life, incorporating science/technology, cultural examinations of Japanese in America, Japanese America, and Japanophile. Interactivity remains an integral aspect of the festival which we are proud to have introduces from the beginning and widely copied.
Activities include:
Sustainable Futures: Plant legacy cherry trees in celebration of Seattle Center Next 50, Gift of cherry trees from government of Japan honoring 100th anniversary of Washington DC cherry trees, Cherry Tree Planting Ceremony with VIP guests.
Arts, Culture & Design: Celebrating Japanese performing string traditions – past and present, Japanese folk music from northern Honshu – KAZE Tsugaru Music group, Introduction of Kugo, ancient harp from Mesopotamian times entering Japan through mainland silk road by harpist Tomoko Sugawara.
