In 1912, an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees were bestowed on Washington D.C by Tokyo, Japan. Rooted strongly, and surviving outside elements, the trees have withstood the test of time. This year, nearly a century later, the friendship between Japan and Kentucky is preparing for an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime celebration. We are preparing to paint the town pink, and we want the city of Lexington to join us!
In honor of one of our nation's most beloved treasures, and a living reminder of the international friendship between Kentucky and Japan and the beauty of nature. The Embassy of Japan and the Consul General of Japan in Nashville has awarded the Japan/America Society of Kentucky 20 off springs of the original cherry blossom trees to be donated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to share in the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. With the support of our generous donators, and additional 80 yoshino cherry trees will be purchased from the state of Washington and donated to cities through out the Commonwealth.
To commemorate this occasion, the Japan/America Society of Kentucky would like to invite everyone to the first annual Cherry Blossom Festival in downtown Lexington on Saturday May 12th, 2012.
At the festival you will have a chance to see rich Japanese culture, renowned artists, and performers.
Performers:
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太鼓座 ー TAIKOZA、 Experience the thunderous rhythms of the ancestral Japanese Taiko drums and the magical sounds of the bamboo flutes. Hear and feel the ancestral Taiko drums give thunderous voice to traditional and new compositions.
Roughly translated, Taiko means big drums-and that’s exactly what Taikoza brings. Big Drums, powerful rhythms, and electrifying, room-thumping energy. This exciting group draws from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance to create a highly visual performance. With colorful traditional costumes and dynamic motion, Taikoza’s shows are immensely popular with audiences of all ages. Drawing from Japan's rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza has created a new sound using a variety of traditional instruments. In addition to drums of assorted sizes, Taikoza incorporates the shakuhachi and the fue (both bamboo flutes) and colorful dances.
The group has toured internationally and has appeared on ESPN, NBC, History Channel, Russian National TV and many other programs around the world. Taikoza’s music is featured on Nintendo’s wii game: Red Steel 1 and 2.
Kentucky Shotokan Karate Association
Rainbow Chorus
Koto by Mizuno sisters
KY 有志 踊り会
Hollow Wood Sting Band plus Masako
Restaurants:
Tachibana - Lexington's first Japanese restaurant will cook yakisoba on the hibachi grille
Seki - Japanese restaurant in Lexington. They will serve Takoyaki, Edamame, Yakitori, Gyoza and Yakiniku
School - Newest Japanese Restaurant in Lexington will serve Curry rice and California Roll sushi.
Vendors and exhibitors:
Niwa Dojo- Handmade Japanese Style wood crafts
Dong Yang Market- Japanese goods
EM Japanese Language Classes/Garment of Praise Ministry
Fraizer History Museum
Workshop:
Japanese Cooking by Naito Hiroko
Japanese Language Lesson by Eriko Moore
Reiki workshop
Tea Ceremony TBA
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