Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

Time

Activity

11:00am-4:00pm

Tegata “hand print” making - ink your hand and make a print on a traditional shikishi board, like sumo wrestlers do

ALL-DAY

Japanese Crane Games - “play until you win”. Paid experience by Amusy Entertainment.

Amusy Entertainment specializes in Japanese claw machines and operates vending locations in malls, restaurants, and retail stores across the Pacific Northwest. We also began participating in community events in 2024 featuring our “play until you win” experience, designed so every guest can enjoy the excitement of winning a prize. All prizes are carefully imported from Japan and include a wide selection of officially branded/licensed products from trusted brands such as YELL, SK Japan, Bandai, & Furyu. At the Festival, we will sell tokens for play, and each machine will be set to our guaranteed win style, creating a fun, friendly, and memorable entertainment experience for all ages.

Time

Activity/Performance

5:00pm

Opening Ceremony (45 mins)

Time

Activity/Performance

10:00am

Hand Puppets & Stories – Lori Whaley (30 mins)

2:00pm

Haiku Northwest (30 mins)

Haiku Northwest is one of the premier haiku organizations in the Pacific Northwest and America. Based in Seattle/Bellevue and founded in 1988 by Francine Porad, Haiku Northwest is a group of active poets that love to share and discuss haiku and related forms of poetry. They host monthly meetings, quarterly field trips, and gather for our annual Seabeck Haiku Getaway in October. The Seabeck event is one of the most important immersive haiku festivals in North America. They will be doing readings of haiku at the Tea Ceremony stage in the Armory Lofts during the weekend.

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am

Seibu Ryu Iai-Battojutsu (30 mins)

The school is one of traditional Japanese sword arts, known as Iai-Battojutsu. It is a mix of Iaido and Battojutsu and was created in the 1800’s to help preserve samurai customs and culture. Their focus is on the art of drawing and sheathing the sword, quick movement from a still point, and tameshigiri (grass mat test cutting).

11:45am

Dekoboko Taiko (30 mins)

Dekoboko Taiko (凸凹太鼓) is a taiko (Japanese drumming) group based in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by alumni from Taiko Kai at the University of Washington in 2017, the group has grown to include members from a variety of backgrounds. Dekoboko Taiko hopes to create a safe place for creative expression through positive encouragement and joy. During these especially difficult times at this year’s festival, they hope to capture and share these same emotions with their audience.

12:30pm

Okinawa Kenjin Kai (30 mins)

1:00pm

Seattle Seido Karate (30 mins)

Seattle Seido Karate will present a stage demonstration, highlighting the abilities of children and young adults.

1:45pm

Ryushin Creative Dance Group (25 mins)

Ryushin Creative Dance Group is a creative Eisa performance team based in Okinawa, Japan.

Inspired by the traditional Okinawan dance Eisa, the group presents a variety of performances that incorporate Okinawan culture and music, including creative Eisa, Shishimai (lion dance), Okinawan-style Sansaa drums, and Ryukyu traditional dance.

The members range from preschool children to adults. By bringing together multiple generations, the group carries on Okinawan culture while also placing great importance on youth development, creating an environment where children can proudly learn and express traditional culture.

Currently, the group mainly performs at community events and festivals throughout Okinawa. They are known for their lively, colorful performances and their unique team spirit.

With passion and pride, Ryushin Creative Dance Group shares the vibrant energy and cultural beauty of Okinawa with audiences.

2:15pm

One World Taiko (20 mins)

One World Taiko is a Japanese drum ensemble that captivates audiences with its spirited drumming that blends traditional, jazz and world music into heart pounding beats. One World Taiko’s music is drawn from Japan’s lively festival drumming and their own creative rhythms, arrangements and choreography. They enjoy teaching their diverse audiences about Japanese culture through the art of taiko. They seek to bring people together in the moment with the sound of their drums.

3:00pm

Aikido Demonstration – Two Cranes Institute (30 mins)

The mission of Two Cranes Institute is to adapt and make accessible the martial principles and contemplative practices to empower individuals, promote compassion and diffuse conflict in all settings of modern life.

3:45pm

Inochi Taiko (30 mins)

Inochi Taiko is a Japanese American drumming group that combines traditional and contemporary elements to express passion for the art and celebrate Japanese culture. Inochi was founded in 2003 by Tyrone Nakawatase, Garrett Nakawatase, and Max Honkawa. Now under the leadership of Elias Chanteloup, Inochi strives to push their taiko play to the next level and challenge themselves to be the best taiko players they can be. “Inochi” translates to “Life” which encapsulates the members’ dedication to the group and art form. Their journey represents a commitment to sharing Taiko and showcasing the dynamic essence of Japanese American culture.

4:30pm

Japanese Archey Demonstration – Washington Kyudo Club (30 mins)

Time

Activity/Performance

12:30pm

Haiku Northwest (30 mins)

Haiku Northwest is one of the premier haiku organizations in the Pacific Northwest and America. Based in Seattle/Bellevue and founded in 1988 by Francine Porad, Haiku Northwest is a group of active poets that love to share and discuss haiku and related forms of poetry. They host monthly meetings, quarterly field trips, and gather for our annual Seabeck Haiku Getaway in October. The Seabeck event is one of the most important immersive haiku festivals in North America. They will be doing readings of haiku at the Tea Ceremony stage in the Armory Lofts during the weekend.

2:00pm

Omotesenke – Tea Ceremony (45 mins)

3:15pm

Omotesenke – Tea Ceremony (45 mins)

4:15pm

Haiku Northwest (30 mins)

Haiku Northwest is one of the premier haiku organizations in the Pacific Northwest and America. Based in Seattle/Bellevue and founded in 1988 by Francine Porad, Haiku Northwest is a group of active poets that love to share and discuss haiku and related forms of poetry. They host monthly meetings, quarterly field trips, and gather for our annual Seabeck Haiku Getaway in October. The Seabeck event is one of the most important immersive haiku festivals in North America. They will be doing readings of haiku at the Tea Ceremony stage in the Armory Lofts during the weekend.

Time

Activity/Performance

1:00pm

Seattle Karuta Club – Karuta Workshop (150 mins)

While there are numerous versions of “karuta” in Japan, competitive karuta is a poetry card game based on a famous anthology of 100 poems (Hyakunin Isshu, 百人一首). Join fellow karuta enthusiasts monthly at Seattle Competitive Karuta Club for friendly play! Whether you’re a curious beginner or a ranked veteran, we’d love for you to join us for this unique game of memory and speed!

Time

Activity/Performance

12:00pm-5:00pm

Come and experience the joy of sake with us Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at the Armory Lofts. Each tasting comes with a wooden sake cup with the festival’s logo on it. 12:00pm until supplies last, or until the festival closes at 5:00pm.

Pricing:

·         1 flight (3 samples): $30

·         2 flights (6 samples): $50

Conditions

• Payment collected upon entry. Sake cups are available while supplies last. 
• Each guest must show a Government ID showing that they are 21 years old, or older, to enter the Sake Tasting area. IDs must not be expired and show the bearer’s date of birth, signature, and a photograph. 
• There is a limit of two flights per person in the party, per transaction. No alcohol will be served to any guest who appears intoxicated. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest, at the sole discretion of Festival organizers.

Sake Tasting Partners

·         Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Saké Nomi is a place to explore premium Japanese saké, its brewing culture and traditions in a convivial, welcoming environment. They are the first, and only, dedicated sake bar in the Pacific Northwest, and for the past 18 years they have served some of the best sakes available from all over Japan. This year, the festival is partnering with Saké Nomi to secure the sake for this event.

·         The festival is also excited to partner this year with the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center (HBCC), and as part of this year’s tastings, we will feature 2 premium sakes from Hyogo Prefecture, our sister-state in Japan. HBCC is an overseas office based in Seattle, Washington, established by Hyogo Prefecture to promote exchanges in fields such as business, tourism, and education with all states in the United States.

Time

Activity/Performance

SEE DESCRIPTION

Asato Bingata Studio, located in Ginowan City, Okinawa was founded in 1982 and is run by Kazuo Asato and his son, Masatoshi. Bingata is a traditional Okinawan stenciled resist dyeing technique which dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 – 1872). Bingata typically features a busy pattern of repeating nature motifs such as animals, fish, flowers and fauna using bright colors. Clothing featuring a Bingata design is worn during traditional Ryukyuan festivals and traditional arts performances. All the products from the studio are crafted from beginning to end by a single craftsman.

The Asato’s will be hosting workshops during the festival where participants can dye their own one-of-a-kind set of coasters or a small handbag.

The hour-long workshops will be held on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 for the general public and will be offered at the following for times on both days:

·         11:00am-12:00pm

·         12:30pm-1:30pm

·         2:00pm-3:00pm

·         3:30pm-4:30pm

We recommend arriving approx. 5 minutes before your workshop begins.

The registration fee to attend the workshop is $25.00 per person to cover the cost of supplies.

Space is limited to 10 people per session.

Workshops will take place in the International Fountain Pavilion, located west of the International Fountain, around a 3-5 minute walk from the Armory of Fisher Pavilion.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am-5:00pm

The Rain City Open sumo tournament returns in 2026 with a greater vision for the event, with more Japanese tradition, more excitement and a grander scale.

This year’s tournament will be held in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The main doors on Mercer St will open around 10:30AM, and the tournament will begin promptly at 11:00 with an opening ceremony and performance by the Ryushin Creative Dance Group from Okinawa. Some of the most exciting divisions will happen early in the day, so don’t sleep in!

In addition to sumo, you’ll find food, T-shirts and gifts, taiko drumming, and even activities, such as the wildly popular tegata making, where you can make your own Sumo handprint autograph!

And best of all, ENTRY IS FREE for spectators!

Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there. Hakkeyoi!

The 2026 Rain City Open will be live streamed on Rain City Sumo’s YouTube channel for those who cannot make it in person.

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tegata “hand print” making - ink your hand and make a print on a traditional shikishi board, like real sumo do. Saturday only.

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am

Shintokan Dojo – Koryu Bujutsu (60 mins)

Koryu Bujutsu are martial arts whose teachings and techniques have been passed down from teacher to student since the feudal period when the bushi, or warrior class, used them for survival in combat. Shintokan Dojo has been teaching some of these classical martial traditions in Woodinville since 1995.

Shinto Muso Ryu is a 400-year-old system, originating in Kyushu, in southern Japan, which focuses on the use of the jo (stick) and sword, along with other weapons.

12:15pm

Washington Karate Association (30 mins)

1:00pm

Seattle Shakuhachi Study Group (30 mins)

1:45pm

Northwest Minyo Kai (30 mins)

3:00pm

Cherry Dragon (45 mins)

Cherry Dragon is a Japanese female fronted power alt-rock band based out of Seattle, Washington. Their original songs feature Japanese and English lyrics. They have a unique and eclectic sound with a smattering of influences ranging from poppy to heavy, dark but inspirational. Cherry Dragon is here to breath fire into the Pacific Northwest rock scene.

4:15pm

Ichi Bichi (40 mins)

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am

Seattle Miyagi-Kai (30 mins)

Japanese koto ensemble

11:45am

Seattle Samurai: A Journey of Story and Resilience Book Talk – Kelly Goto (20 mins)

In this talk, author Kelly Goto shares the journey of Seattle Samurai—from her father Sam Goto’s original cartoons to the book’s recognition today. Rooted in stories passed down through generations, the work reflects the resilience of immigrant families and the blending of cultures that shaped the Japanese American experience in the Pacific Northwest. Kelly also honors her mother, Dee Goto, whose lifelong commitment to preserving these stories helps carry their legacy forward, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire new generations.

12:15pm

Fukushima Kenjinkai presented by Ezra Ho (30 mins)

1:00pm

Seattle Japanese Language School Youth Choir (10 mins)

Students from the Seattle Japanese Language School’s youth program will form a choir and perform two songs in Japanese.

1:30pm

Ikebana Demo – Ikebana International Chapter 19 (45 mins)

2:30pm

Japan-America Society of the State of Washington – Japan in the School (30 mins)

Japan In The Schools (JIS) is a signature education program of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington. JIS provides free 50-minute presentations that introduce Japanese culture and language to K-12th grade students across Washington State.

3:45pm

“Sakura Monogatari” Kamishibai (Storytelling) by the JCCCW (30 mins)

The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington promotes Japanese and Japanese American culture and events in the Pacific Northwest. This year, we will present an original kamishibai story based on the history of the festival and the theme: Sakura Monogatari.

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am

CHIKIRI & The School of TAIKO (45 mins)

Japan Creative Arts provides “Real experiences of performing arts programs” for sharing Japanese culture to promote mutual understanding by bilingual high quality learning opportunity based in Seattle, Washington US since 2009. Japan Creative Arts provides “Real experiences of performing arts programs” for sharing Japanese culture to promote mutual understanding by bilingual high quality learning opportunity based in Seattle, Washington US since 2009.

At the core of Japan Creative Arts activities is the belief that music provides a way to bridge cultural differences and promote respect and understanding between people from different backgrounds and generations, thereby strengthening relationships within the community. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting the healthy lives of everyone in their community by providing lively experiential programs of lifelong learning.

12:00pm

Seattle Matsuri Taiko (30 mins)

Based at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Seattle Matsuri Taiko is a Japanese American drumming group that values participation and the discovery of joy. Members enjoy sharing their love of taiko drumming through engaging performances.

After the 2024 New Year’s Eve arson at the Temple that impacted our practice space, Seattle Matsuri Taiko is happy to be back and participate in the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival this year. They hope you enjoy their performance.

12:45pm

Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation (40 mins)

The Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation represents the traditional Japanese sword arts of Kendo and Iaido. At this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival, we will share demonstrations of Kendo, practiced in armor with bamboo swords, and Iaido, which focuses on the smooth and mindful drawing of the katana. Both arts emphasize respect, discipline, and the unity of spirit, sword, and body. More than technique, our practice is about developing character, self-control, and carrying ourselves with calm focus in everyday life.

1:30pm

Hoshu Dojo (30 mins)

Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu, and its modern offshoot, Jodo, is a 400-year-old art that teaches the use of swords and broader martial and personal development using a simple short staff to overcome a better-armed opponent wielding a sword. Jodo relies on precision and the flexibility of the Jo to overcome the inherent advantages of a blade-wielding opponent. The kata of Shindo Muso Ryu have been refined for centuries and are fascinating studies in the art of war. At Hoshu Dojo, it is their duty to preserve and pass these kata on to future generations.

2:15pm

Seattle Kokon Taiko (30 mins)

Seattle Kokon Taiko (SKT), Washington’s first performing taiko ensemble, is based in the local Japanese American community and has performed at schools, arts festivals, street fairs, community programs, corporate events and in concerts throughout Washington and Oregon. SKT combines the ancient with the modern; our repertoire is a mix of traditional pieces and contemporary compositions. Through taiko, we hope to contribute the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form – Japanese in origin, American in expression – that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life.

3:00pm

Seattle Dojo (30 mins)

Seattle Dojo is the oldest judo club in the United States. Recreational and competitive judo lessons located in central Seattle. Students of all ages and skill levels study under several experienced instructors. Classes are held on Monday and Thursday evenings to train a wide variety of judoka, ranging from people interested in staying fit and having fun to serious competitors that actively participate in various levels of competitions.

3:45pm

Fujima Dance/Music Ensemble (30 mins)

4:30pm

Ryushin Creative Dance Group (25 mins)

Okinawa, Japan.

Inspired by the traditional Okinawan dance Eisa, the group presents a variety of performances that incorporate Okinawan culture and music, including creative Eisa, Shishimai (lion dance), Okinawan-style Sansaa drums, and Ryukyu traditional dance.

The members range from preschool children to adults. By bringing together multiple generations, the group carries on Okinawan culture while also placing great importance on youth development, creating an environment where children can proudly learn and express traditional culture.

Currently, the group mainly performs at community events and festivals throughout Okinawa. They are known for their lively, colorful performances and their unique team spirit.

5:30pm

Closing Ceremony (30 mins)

Time

Activity/Performance

12:30pm

Urasenke Tankokai – Tea Ceremony (45 mins)

1:45pm

Urasenke Tankokai – Tea Ceremony (45 mins)

3:00pm

Ikebana Demo – Ikebana International Chapter 19 (45 mins)

4:15pm

Haiku Northwest (30 mins)

Haiku Northwest is one of the premier haiku organizations in the Pacific Northwest and America. Based in Seattle/Bellevue and founded in 1988 by Francine Porad, Haiku Northwest is a group of active poets that love to share and discuss haiku and related forms of poetry. They host monthly meetings, quarterly field trips, and gather for our annual Seabeck Haiku Getaway in October. The Seabeck event is one of the most important immersive haiku festivals in North America. They will be doing readings of haiku at the Tea Ceremony stage in the Armory Lofts during the weekend.

Time

Activity/Performance

2:00pm

Mako Kikuchi (45 mins)

“Listening to Japanese America – Acetate Recordings from the 1930s – 50s” – Lecture

Time

Activity/Performance

12:00pm-5:00pm

Come and experience the joy of sake with us Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at the Armory Lofts. Each tasting comes with a wooden sake cup with the festival’s logo on it. 12:00pm until supplies last, or until the festival closes at 5:00pm.

Pricing:

·         1 flight (3 samples): $30

·         2 flights (6 samples): $50

Conditions

• Payment collected upon entry. Sake cups are available while supplies last. 
• Each guest must show a Government ID showing that they are 21 years old, or older, to enter the Sake Tasting area. IDs must not be expired and show the bearer’s date of birth, signature, and a photograph. 
• There is a limit of two flights per person in the party, per transaction. No alcohol will be served to any guest who appears intoxicated. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest, at the sole discretion of Festival organizers.

Sake Tasting Partners

·         Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Saké Nomi is a place to explore premium Japanese ppr, its brewing culture and traditions in a convivial, welcoming environment. They are the first, and only, dedicated sake bar in the Pacific Northwest, and for the past 18 years they have served some of the best sakes available from all over Japan. This year, the festival is partnering with Saké Nomi to secure the sake for this event.

·         The festival is also excited to partner this year with the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center (HBCC), and as part of this year’s tastings, we will feature 2 premium sakes from Hyogo Prefecture, our sister-state in Japan. HBCC is an overseas office based in Seattle, Washington, established by Hyogo Prefecture to promote exchanges in fields such as business, tourism, and education with all states in the United States.

Time

Activity/Performance

SEE DESCRIPTION

Asato Bingata Studio, located in Ginowan City, Okinawa was founded in 1982 and is run by Kazuo Asato and his son, Masatoshi. Bingata is a traditional Okinawan stenciled resist dyeing technique which dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 – 1872). Bingata typically features a busy pattern of repeating nature motifs such as animals, fish, flowers and fauna using bright colors. Clothing featuring a Bingata design is worn during traditional Ryukyuan festivals and traditional arts performances. All the products from the studio are crafted from beginning to end by a single craftsman.

The Asato’s will be hosting workshops during the festival where participants can dye their own one-of-a-kind set of coasters or a small handbag.

The hour-long workshops will be held on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 for the general public and will be offered at the following for times on both days:

·         11:00am-12:00pm

·         12:30pm-1:30pm

·         2:00pm-3:00pm

·         3:30pm-4:30pm

We recommend arriving pprox.. 5 minutes before your workshop begins.

The registration fee to attend the workshop is $25.00 per person to cover the cost of supplies.

Space is limited to 10 people per session.

Workshops will take place in the International Fountain Pavilion, located west of the International Fountain, around a 3-5 minute walk from the Armory of Fisher Pavilion.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Time

Activity/Performance

3:00pm

Taiko Kai (15 mins)

Taiko Kai was founded in 2013 by the Matsudaira sisters, three UW students who wanted to share Japanese culture with UW and the greater Seattle community.

The club is community-oriented, helping members develop personal and team-based performance skills. Members practice how to effectively move their bodies and perform for an audience while also engaging in a friendly group. They also build connections with the American Japanese community in Seattle and across the US by working with other Taiko groups and taking part in Japanese events.

Time

Activity/Performance

11:00am

Seattle Wakayama Kenjinkai (15 mins)

11:30am

Japanese Swordsmanship Demo – Musokai Iaido Club (30 mins)

12:30pm

Speech Contest Award Ceremony – Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese (WATJ) (60 mins)

The Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese (WATJ) will host the 43^rd Japanese Speech Contest for high school and college students. 7 first-place winners will present their speeches at the Festival on Sunday, April 12.

2:00pm

Calligraphy Demonstration – Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai (60 mins)

The Seattle Chapter of the Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai will present a Japanese calligraphy art demonstration.

For more than 60 years, the organization has continued to promote and preserve the highest standard of Japanese Calligraphy otherwise found only in Japan, through local education and cultural exchange.

3:30pm

The “Atomic Bomb Game” Re-enactment – Seattle Go Center (15 mins)

The Seattle Go Center teaches and promotes the Asian game of Go. This 4000-year-old strategy board game continues to fascinate players around the world. They have a mission to spread peace through the game of Go and aim to spread it throughout the area.