I attended the 48th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Fair recently. Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, the 48th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is a great way to spend the day. From sushi to origami, karate to sake, Japanese arts and crafts-there is something for everybody. The event is held right after the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival which is spectacular in itself. I spent the day shopping for wonderful Japanese items, eating delicious Japanese food and watching the demonstrations and live entertainment on various stages throughout the street fair. The cherry trees bloomed longer than usual this year so that was an added bonus with so many trees around the city still in full beautiful bloom. The one thing missing from the Street Fair was Kokeshi Designs and we intend to remedy that situation next year! Please watch for us next April 2008 at the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri Street Fair!

Enjoy the pics!

3000 cherry trees line the mall in Washington DC. These trees were given to the US as a gift from Japan in 1912. The annual celebration of that gift is in its 96th year. Held between March 29th and April 13th, The National Cherry Blossom festival celebrates the spirit of friendship.

If you live in the Washington DC area and would like more information on the festival click here for a detailed calendar of events.

Be sure not to miss the Sakrua Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival on April 12th presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC. Food, Arts and Crafts and entertainment make this event really popular. Check out this video for more information!

We know there are Cherry Blossom festivals all over the world – tell us about your local festival! Click ‘Leave a Comment’ and give us the details.

I noticed Sharon and Naomi are highlighting the Sakura Music Box doll on their home page this month. It made me wonder if I could find the words to the song Sakura. So here you go … words and translation!

~Lisa

Sakura, Sakura,
Noyamamo satomo
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi-ka kumo-ka
Asahi-ni niou
Sakura, sakura,
Hanazakari

Sakura, Sakura
Yayoi no sora wa,
Miwatasu kagiri.
Kasumi ka kumo ka,
Nioi-zo isuru.
Iza ya! Iza ya!
Mi ni yukan

Cherry Blossoms, cherry blossoms.
On mountains, in villages.
As far as you can see.
Like a mist or floating cloud.
They are fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry Blossoms, cherry blossoms.
In full bloom.

Cherry Blossoms, cherry blossoms.
Bloom so bright in April breeze.
Like a mist or floating cloud.
Fragrance fills the air around.
Shadows flit along the ground.
Come, oh, come. Come, oh, come.
Come see cherry trees.

I’m excited to be taking on this project in the Spring! I love it when the dreary winter days pass into Spring and the first blooms start to peek through.  Way back in January on a trip to Washington, D.C. I spotted a few of those famous cherry blossoms trying to peek out! A bit early, to be sure, but Spring was obviously anxious to come!

Cherry trees bloom early each year, usually between the end of March and beginning of April. Sakura grow on ornamental cherry trees, which means the trees don’t bear fruit. Instead they produce cascades of beautiful pink and white blossoms. The prominence of cherry blossoms in both Japanese history and culture have made it Japan’s unofficial national flower. Despite its prestige, cherry blossom season lasts on average of only two weeks! No wonder these delicate flowers represent the impermanence of life.