In about two weeks, you will start to see the city of Washington painted in pastel cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival annually commemorates the 1912 gift to Washington D.C. of 3000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. The Festival celebrates the continued relationship between the two peoples.
The following is a list of main events (it should be noted that many of the events below require reservations or pre-registrations. For more information, please visit the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Opening Ceremony 3/26 (Sat) 5:30 PM
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 1330 Maryland Ave., SW
13th Annual National Japan Bowl 3/26 (Sat) 1:00-4:00 PM
Capital Hilton Hotel –16th & K Sts, NW. High school students from across the US studying Japanese put their skills to test in team competitions.
Rakugo (Japanese Sit-Down comedy) 3/27 (Sun)
- 1:00-3:00 pm (Japanese Only) &
- 4:00-6:00 pm (Japanese with Limited English!!)
Japanese Information and Culture Center - 1155 21st Street, NW. The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc. presents four famous Japanese comedians
Freedom Walk 4/2 (Sat) 10:00 AM
National Japanese American Memorial, D St. and New Jersey Ave., NW.
Strolling from the National Japanese American Memorial to the Tidal Basin Stage.
Lantern Lighting Ceremony 4/3 (Sun) 2:30 PM
Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17 th St., SW. Presented by the National Park Service and the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) featuring 70 Cherry Blossom Princesses representing states, territories, and embassies. The 350-year old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers and Washington dignitaries.
A Reception Hosted by Ambassador & Mrs. Kato in Cerebration of the 2004 Cherry Blossom Festival (invitation only) 4/5 (Tues) 6:30 PM
The Ambassador Kato's Residence. Ambassador and Mrs. Kato will host the reception for the Cherry Blossom Festival officials and voluntaries.
National Conference of State Societies’ Congressional Reception 4/6 (Wed) 6:30 PM Russell Senate Office Bldg, Caucus Room. Honors current, former Members of U.S. Congress and officials from international community as they escort U.S. and international Cherry Blossom Princesses.
Gala Dinner Cruise Aboard the Odyssey 4/07 (Thus) 7:00PM
Boarding starts at 6 pm. Departs from Gangplank Marina, 6th and Water Sts., SW. Cruise the Potomac on Washington’s premier dinner cruise vessel with four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing in glass atrium dining rooms. Black-tie optional.
National Conference of State Societies’ Cherry Blossom Presentation Ball 4/08 (Fri) 7:00 PM
Fairmont Hotel – 2401 M St., NW. Formal black-tie event with dazzling Sushi Reception and Silent Auction. Presentation of Cherry Blossom Princesses and selection of U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, followed by entertainment and dancing.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 4/09 (Sat) 10:00 AM
This Washington tradition features marching bands, floats, balloons and plenty of family entertainment. Parade Route: Constitution Ave. from 7 th to 17 th Sts., NW.
44th Annual Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival) 4/09 (Sat) 12:00 PM
12th & Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. after the Parade. Experience the sights and sounds of Japan. After parade, walk over to one of the largest Japanese street festivals in the country. Enjoy cultural performances from Japan, hands-on arts & crafts demonstrations, a Japanese market and a Taste of Japan featuring the best of Japanese cuisine.
Wreath Laying Ceremony 4/09 (Sat) 12:00 PM
The U.S. Navy Memorial, Penn. Ave. Between 7th and 9th Sts., NW.
Dance Performance by Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. (Invitation only) 4/09 (Sat) 15:00PM
The Old Residence of Ambassador, the Embassy of Japan . Performance choreographed by Mr. Michio Ito, the popular Japanese American performer in the 1920s and 1930s.
Further information about these and other events can be found on the NCBF website at www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or www.StateSocieties.org or by contacting the following:
Contact: Mr. Hiroaki Shinohara (202-238-6763) or Mr. Katsuyuki Ohyama (202-238-6758)
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