Welcome to Long Island’s
Sakura Matsuri ~Cherry Blossom Festival~
The official site of The Japan Center
at Stony Brook’s Sakura Matsuri
When: Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 12 noon to 5 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center.
Welcome Spring to Long Island the Japanese way with the exciting sounds of the Taiko Drums, the elegance of Japanese dance and music and a wondrous array of Japanese cultural exhibits and events for the entire family. This is the premier Japan culture event on Long Island.
Beginning at 12 noon with Stony Brook University’s Taiko group “Taiko Tides”, the day is filled with exciting activities for children and adults.
Click on ‘Events’ above for our schedule. See below for brief Info!
World-Class Performers (For a full list of performers, click here.)
We Welcome the return of Junko Fisher, one of our original performers, to perform Ryukyu (Okinawan) Dance.
Masayo Ishigure, world renown Koto player, will perform with her Koto and Samisen ensemble: Miyabi.
The exciting Yosakoi dance group, 10Tecomai will perform their different aspects of modern Japanese dance.
Ichifujikai Traditional Japanese Dance Ensemble
Long Island’s own Ryu Shu Taiko Drums of Japan will light up the stage and dazzle you with a variety of Taiko drum styles.
Daniel Nyohaku Soergel will perform on the Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute)
Demonstrations and Exhibitions: For a list of all demonstrators and exhibitors, click here.
COSPLAY- Featuring A Cosplay Fashion Show presented by CosplayNYC magazine
Activities will include workshops in Origami, Sho-Do (Brush Calligraphy), Sumi-e (brush and ink painting) and Manga. (Wristbands [paid admission] needed for Workshops)
There will be an opportunity to partake in the Japanese Tea ceremony (Cha no Yu), and view the unique art of Ikebana (flower arranging). Performances of Shakuhachi-bamboo flute- will include the mysterious sounds of Zen Shakuhachi.
Martial Arts demonstrations will include Okinawan Karate and Kobudo (Ancient weapons), and Kendo (Samurai Swordsmanship) by the Sensei & students of the Ryu Shu Kan. And Naginata (Halberd) by the Greater New York Naginata Federation
Theater Performances (subject to change):
12:30 – 1:30pm: Masayo Ishigure with Miyabi ~ Koto and Samisen Ensemble
2:30 – 2:50pm: JUNKO FISHER – Okinawan Dance
3:00 – 3:20pm Ichifujikai Traditional Japanese Dance
3:30 – 3:55pm: 10Tecomai Yosakoi Dance
4:00 – 4:30pm Cosplay Fashion Show
Admission to ALL Performances, PLUS: Tea Ceremony, Shakuhachi, Origami, Sho-Do, Sumi-e, and Manga workshops (wristbands provided to show proof of admission):
General: $30
Students & Seniors: $20
Kids Ages 6 – 12: $10, – Kids 5 & under: FREE –
For Tickets – Please go to thewangcenter.org or call the Charles B. Wang Center: 631- 632-4400
For information – please call Ryu Shu Kan: 631-698-2467
The festival is from 12 noon to 5 pm rain or shine – Japanese lunch will be available for sale in the Jasmine restaurant.
This festival is made possible through our major sponsors: the Japan Center at Stony Brook, Stephen Globus, Founder of Globus Washitsu, NYC, & The Charles B. Wang Center. Produced by The Charles B. Wang Center and the Ryu Shu Kan.
WELCOME…!
JUNKO NAGAHAMA FISHER – Okinawan Dance
Masayo Ishigure
