The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival took place at the Charles B. Wang Center, Stony Brook University, on April 27. This annual event was co-produced by the Japan Center at Stony Brook University and the Ryu Shu Kan Japanese Arts Center, with support from AARP Long Island.
Open to the public, the festival celebrated spring's arrival on Long Island through blooming cherry blossoms, taiko drum performances, and various Japanese cultural exhibits.
The Wang Center offered a range of activities for attendees, such as koto performances, traditional Japanese dances, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai workshops, calligraphy sessions, ikebana flower arranging classes, tea workshops, manga drawing lessons, origami paper folding sessions, and cosplay opportunities for all ages.
Performances featured Taiko Drums by SBU Taiko Tides; traditional Japanese dance by Ichifuji-Kai Dance Association; Okinawan Dance by Junko Fisher; Yosakoi Dance by 10tecomai; Ryu Shu Kan Karate/Kobudo with Junko Fisher accompanied by Okinawan Sanshin instruments; AEUSKF Kendo and Kogaku Ryu Iaido with Shakuhachi accompaniment by Grand-Master Daniel Nyohaku Soergel; Ken Zen Greater NY Naginata Club; and Ryu Shu Kan Taiko.