WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival, a Premiere event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and America’s biggest one-day Japanese festival, is back once again! After last year’s return to its much-loved Pennsylvania Avenue location, between 3rd and 7th Streets NW in downtown Washington D.C., this year’s Sakura Matsuri promises a lively and engaging celebration of Japanese culture for seasoned participants and newcomers alike. The festival begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 6:00 p.m.

Drawing tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world, the Sakura Matsuri offers dynamic performances, authentic tastes of Japan, and a wide variety of unique vendors. This year, the festival stage will welcome newcomers, Kiwi & the PapayaMangoes who will introduce festival goers to their fusion of traditional Japanese music, modern dance pop and cultural music from around the world. The festival will also welcome many returning fan favorites, such as the Tamagawa University Dance and Taiko Group, D.A.K. Awa Odori Dancers and the captivating, Japanese sword fighting performances of Samurai Sword Soul. With martial arts demonstrations from Yamajiro Ninja Academy, Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Japanese Jiujitsu and more!

In the way of culinary arts, we have many returning attractions that are sure to introduce you to dazzling Japanese tastes and flavors. Dolci Gelati will bring their delicious gelato with a ‘Japanese flair’ and Yoshitaka Nishino of the Matsukawaya Wagashi shop chain – now a staple location in the Washington D.C. area – will take us in to his world of exquisite Japanese confections. Kirin Beer and Hakutsuru Sake will be returning as sponsors the festival and provide their wares in the Sake Pavilion.

The Sakura Matsuri’s tradition of family fun continues with the widely attended Children’s Corner, where families enjoy hands-on educational and cultural activities encompassing a variety of Japanese themes, from bullet trains to Japanese games. Central Japan Railway and East Japan Railway will be in attendance for another year, showcasing Japan’s advanced technological innovation with models of its revolutionary maglev train. Young adults can also enjoy their own slice of modern Japan at the Japan WOW! Pavilion, which hosts a variety of games, attractions, and J-pop performances throughout the day.

This year, the festival has added two new entry passes – the Sake Fast Pass and the Family Package – for those who wish to get the full Sakura Matsuri experience. These packages are limited edition passes and will sell out quickly. Standard charges of $10 for visitors who are 13 years of age andabove also will apply. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are on sale online at www.sakuramatsuri.org, or they can be purchased by cash on the day of the festival.

About the Japan-America Society
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a 501(c)(3) educational and cultural non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the U.S. at the grassroots public diplomacy level. Our programming aims to bring Japanese and American people closer together in the Nation’s Capital area.

Press Contacts
For more information regarding the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival, please contact Marc Hitzig with the Japan-America Society of Washington DC at [email protected] or call (202) 833-2210.