Sakura Matsuri 2008

Japanese Street Festival

We have Japanese

traditional performing

arts on four stages!

 

To learn more about

Some of the performers,

keep on reading !

 

 

The Sakura Matsuri features both traditional and popular Japanese performances on four stages: the Pennsylvania Avenue Main Stage, near 14^th Street; the 12^th Street Stage, near the Metro stop; the Okinawa Stage, on 12^th Street near Constitution; and the J-POP Stage, at Pennsylvania and 10^th Street.

 

Here are some of the groups that will be performing:

 

Japanese Traditional Geisha Dancers

A special treat for this year’s Matsuri. Direct from Japan, four geisha will perform traditional Japanese geisha dance. Sponsored by the Japan Culinary & Culture Association and the Japan National Tourist Organization.

 

Folk Music and Dances of Okinawa

This exciting dance group performs traditional and lively folk dances of the farming and fishing villages of Okinawa. Musicians performing traditional instruments will accompany the dancers.  The dance school, known for preserving the beauty of the Tamagusuku style (ryu) of traditional Okinawan dances, traces its roots back 300 years to the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

 

HAPPYFUNSMILE

Imajin Taiko from Okinawa, Japan

This group of traditional drummers has traveled from Okinawa for the past 12 years to participate in the Sakura Matsuri and Cherry Blossom Festival parade.

 

Imajin Nix Hamaya Karate Daiko from Okinawa, Japan

Get a taste of Okinawan style dancing fused with the beats of the Taiko and the motions and movements of Okinawan Karate.

 

Japanese Choral Society of Washington

The group, formed in July 2001, performs Japanese songs throughout the 2-week National Cherry Blossom Festival. Its members are teachers, housewives, students, and employees of private firms and international organizations.

 

Kagetsu Dance Academy

Washington DC-based dance company performance ancient and traditional Japanese dances

 

Kikuyuki no Kai

This dance group performs in the Onoe style of classical Japanese dance. Under the direction of Shihan Onoe Kikuyuki, the group has performed through the Washington DC area.

 

Nen Daiko

Nen Daiko, based at Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, has been mesmerizing audiences in the D.C. metropolitan area for the past thirteen years. Their kumi daiko (ensemble drumming) performance illustrates the energy and athleticism that this musical form requires. Pieces include traditional festival songs as well as more contemporary compositions.

 

Pandora’s Playground

Traditional Japanese chindon street performers

 

Drum Dancing by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko USA

The unique feature of this group is that every performer holds his/her big drum in front of him/her.  The drum is suspended by a piece of long purple cloth over the left shoulder and back

 

Shizumi Kodomo Dance Troupe

The Shizumi Kodomo Dance Troupe is a children’s dance troupe, comprised of young dancers from diverse ethnic backgrounds ranging in age between 5 and 13 years old.  Its members share a passionate interest in Japanese culture and dance. 

 

Tamagawa University Dance and Taiko Group

A smash hit every year, the students of Tamagawa University in Tokyo are back at the Sakura Matsuri, with their dramatic taiko drum performance and traditional street dances.

 

Washington Japanese Heritage (Keisho) Center

Founded in 2004 for children five years and older to learn about their Japanese mother language and culture, they will sing traditional Japanese and other popular songs from around the world.

 

Washington Toho Koto Society

Japan’s most famous sound – the koto – traditionally opens up the Pennsylvania Avenue Stage performances. The Washington Toho Koto Society was organized by Kyoko Okamoto in 1971.

 

 

To see the performance schedule, click here -