43rd Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

The 43rd Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival was held from Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 22, 2018, at the Seattle Center. During the three days of the event, various aspects of Japanese culture were demonstrated and exhibited by groups from around the region.
 

Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle booth	Consul General Yoichiro Yamada gave opening remarks.
The Consulate offered a furoshiki workshop on the first day of Sakura Matsuri for the festival's school visit program.	Consulate staff gave a samurai armor presentation.
Special guest from Japan, Ms. Hideko Yamashita, made a presentation about the "DanShaRi Way" (The Ultimate Decluttering Discipline).	There were a wide variety of classical Japanese performing art presentations, such as Nihon Buyo, presented by the Fujima Dance Ensemble.
Traditional arts such as shodo (calligraphy), sumie (brush painting), and ikebana (flower arrangement) were on exhibit for visitors to admire.	Ms. Ritsuko Kashiba, Japanese calligrapher and instructor, gave a dynamic shodo demonstration.
As part of the Hapa Hafu Heritage Art Exhibit, visual artist Tamiko Theil displayed her avant-garde works which blend Japanese calligraphy with scenic photos of Seattle.	Local Japanese prefectural clubs hosted booths to introduce various regions of Japan, which have strong ties to the Pacific Northwest. Fukushima Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.
The Math Abacus School of Seattle and the Banshu Abacus Crafts Association taught children how to build their own abacuses.	Fun hands-on activities were available for children to enjoy such as kite making (shown above), paper cutting, origami, stamp carving, and more.
Shamisen performance by the Fujima Shamisen Ensemble showcased traditional Japanese music.	Dekoboko Taiko group had audiences dancing and clapping to their rhythms.
Pink Punk music band "Ichi Bichi" entertained crowds at the Fisher Pavilion outside stage with their lively music.	The indoor stage at the Armory drew large crowds for a variety of performances and presentations.