Arts & Crafts Area

This is where Sakura Matsuri visitors learn about the traditional arts & crafts of Japan. From the refined skill of Japanese woodworking to the delicate art of Japanese doll making, the arts of Japan come to life. Several hands-on activities allow adults and children to be part of the process, playing Japanese games, learning the art of Japanese paper making, and making Japanese crafts.

Among our exhibitors this year:

“Children’s Corner,” presented by Potomac Mills

Alumni of the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program introduce children to Japan through hands-on activities, from origami (paper-folding) to Japanese games.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

The sponsor of the Pennsylvania Avenue Main Performing Arts Stage, ANA also presents information about travel to Japan

American Daiku Association (ADA)

Daiku is the artisan of Japanese carpentry. Japanese tools, shoji panels, furniture, desktop Zen gardens and full size designs are on display.

Arthur Lewis Go Club

Arthur Lewis Go Club members will provide demonstrations and the opportunity for festival-goers to learn about the thousand year-old Japanese game of Go.

Chikako Mukai

Hand-crafted clothes, handbags, and accessories with Japanese themes and fabrics.

Ekoji Temple

Ekoji Buddhist Temple will share information about Japanese Buddhism.

Greentea Design, Inc.

Greentea Design will demonstrate the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy and display calligraphy pieces and brush paint artwork.

Heavenly Cranes

Julie Kohaya demonstrates how she handcrafts jewelry using Japanese washi paper.

Hello Konnichiwa Friendship

Will demonstrate the craft of creating kusudama (ornamental balls made of artificial flowers) and tezukuri noshibukuro (handmade decorative envelopes)

Ikebana International

The Washington DC Chapter No. 1 of Ikebana International presents a variety of Japanese floral arrangements on Freedom Plaza.

Iku Kageyama

Presents photography of Japan, its people and their daily lives

Interesse International Inc.

This human resources company presents demonstrations of Japanese business etiquette.

The International Shinto Foundation, Inc.

The International Shinto Foundation from New York City performs Shinto rituals. They will distribute material about the Japan’s ancient Shinto religion.

Ishida Bonsai

Ishida Bonsai will display traditional bonsai plants and explain to attendees how to care for a bonsai plant in your own home.

Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)

JNTO presents a wide range of information about travel to Japan.

Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA)

JAVA represents Japanese-Americans who fought for the United States in World War II and other conflicts.

Japanese Americans’ Care Fund

The Care Fund, which provides assistance and services for Japanese and Japanese-Americans in the Washington area, is presenting a Japanese cooking demonstration, sponsored by San-J.

Japanese Doll Making and Craft

In addition to demonstrating Kimekomi Doll Making, there will be Oshie pictures, Washi box making, and other demonstrations throughout the day.

Michinoku-kai

The Michinoku-kai will showcase the famous festivals of the Tohoku (northeast) region of Japan, its traditional handicrafts, and its culture for kids.

National Conference of State Societies (NCSS)

An Association of 56 state and territorial societies based in Washington DC, the NCSS is famous for its Cherry Blossom Princess Program.

Sahara Japanese Architectural Woodworks, Inc.

Sahara specializes in Sukiya-style construction, using quality natural woods. Japanese crafts, such as Andon, shoji screens, and omikoshi will be on display.

Shabana Origami Originals & Kumihimo Kreations

Shawnnee Holmberg will demonstrate Kumihimo (Japanese traditional braiding) throughout the day and showcase origami jewelry and Kumihimo jewelry.

U.S. National Arboretum, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

The National Arboretum serves the public via its scientific research, education, and gardens. Come see its on-going demonstration of Japanese bonsai on Freedom Plaza.