During my Junior Year in college, I had the opportunity to spend a summer immersing myself in the culture and architecture of Japan. Although the focus of my educational program was the built form and traditional building techniques, I could not wonder the streets of a city like Kyoto without being mesmerized by the ribbons of history, culture and spirituality that interwove themselves into the modern built environment. Although I enjoyed the serenity of pilgrimaging to shrines and temples across the country, and camping overnight in the Japanese Alps (yes, they exist), the summer street fairs and festivals that filled city block, after city block with vibrant colors, costumes and music are among the most vivid memories I have of my excursion to Japan.This weekend, I invite to experience a taste of Japan (figuratively and literally) at the Sakura Matsuri Celebration that will fill the streets of Washington, DC on Saturday. The official definition of a "matsuri" is a civil or religious festival that entails a ritual of worship and joyous celebration. The dancing, singing and decorative arts you may see tomorrow will be symbolical of Japanese traditions and a heritage that is rich and full of life.
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Proudly Presents
The 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri -- Japanese Street Festival
11 am – 6 pm
From sushi to origami, from sake to kimono—
Japanese arts and crafts and products of all kinds—
Anime, manga, and J-POP music—
Traditional dances and the dramatic taiko drums—
If it’s Japanese, it’s at the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri, the largest Japanese Street Festival in the United States. This year’s Matsuri will be the biggest ever, on Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street in the west to 10th Street on the east —and on 12th street from Pennsylvania southward to Constitution Avenue.
Join us on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 11 am to 6 pm, right after the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
It’s fun, it’s free, and there’s something for everyone!
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