The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival returns with a number of activities Friday through Sunday at the Seattle Center.
Susan Fried
Embrace traditions and cultural arts between the people of Japan and the Pacific Northwest at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday to Sunday at the Seattle Center.
Part of the Seattle Center Festál series, this free, in-person festival will take place in the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Join honorary co-chairs Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Consul General Hisao Inagaki, in honoring the renewal of life with springtime cherry blossoms and Japanese arts.
This year’s festival presents: The Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibition, “Manga Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Master’s Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics,” from 11a.m.-4 p.m. now through April 28 and April 30 in the Seattle Opera Center Lobby, courtesy of Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
All other activities will take place in the Armory and Fisher, which includes Go lessons, storytelling, history panels and cultural programs. The festival will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, the 60th anniversary of the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center and the 45th anniversary of Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai, which is the art of calligraphy.
Discover koto, shamisen and taiko sounds, live music from Ichi Bichi and Moopsie and traditional Buyo, Japanese and contemporary dances, as well as mechanical dolls from Tanimoto Karakuri Ningyo, ikebana demonstrations, martial arts, music, tea ceremonies, food and children’s activities. Culinary delights include bento, ramen, musubi and mochi from local vendors such as Tokara Japanese Confectionary, Ramen-Ya Teinei, Setsuko Pastry and more. There will also be opportunities to experience ancient and contemporary traditions of Japan, like kimono dress-up and sake tasting.
Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. Admission is free of charge. For more information on this festival, visit cherryblossomfest.org and, to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events, seattlecenter.com/festal, or call 206-684-7200.
The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival was initiated on May 8, 1976, when Japan’s former prime minister, Takeo Miki, gifted 1,000 cherry trees to Seattle in commemoration of America’s bicentennial and the long friendship between the people of Japan and Washington state.