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. And we will end the festival with the thunder of the Taiko once again provided by Ryu Shu Taiko at 4:30pm. Both performances will be outside in front of the Wang Center (in case of rain, they will perform inside) Just before Ryu Shu Taiko performs there will be a Martial Arts demonstration of Okinawan Karate & Kobudo, and Japanese Kendo and Naginata beginning at 3:30pm.
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 presents Traditional and Classical Japanese Dance
Long Island’s own Ryu Shu Taiko Drums of Japan will delight you with a variety of Taiko drum styles.
Daniel Nyohaku Soergel will perform on the Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute) and Cha no Yu- Samurai Japanese Tea ceremony will be conducted by Yoshitsugu Nagano
Demonstrations and Exhibitions: For a list of all demonstrators and exhibitors, click here.
Activities will include Japanese Games, Origami, and Button making in the Main Lobby -FREE-
Workshops-[Paid admission] (Wristbands required) will include: Sho-Do (Brush Calligraphy), Sumi-e (brush and ink painting), Kumihimo (Japanese style braided bracelets -make your own), and Manga drawing.
Japanese Tea ceremony (Cha no Yu) & Performances of Shakuhachi-bamboo flute- will be presented in the East Hall (formerly “the Chapel”) [Paid admission](Wristbands required)
COSPLAY- Featuring A Cosplay Fashion Show presented by CosplayNYC magazine in the Theater (wristbands required)
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
1:30 – 2:30pm INTERMISSION
2:30 – 3:45pm: Junko Fisher – Okinawan Dance, Ichifuji-kai Traditional Japanese Dance, 10Tecomai Yosakoi Dance
3:45 – 4:15pm INTERMISSION
4:15 – 5:00pm Cosplay Fashion Show
Admission to ALL Theater Performances, PLUS: Tea Ceremony, Shakuhachi, 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, & 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
