2018 - 18th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Sakura Matsuriat - Stony Brook University (Sunday) Tea Ceremony, Cosplay & Cultural Performances..NEW

Welcome to the 18th Annual Ryu Shu Kan’s Cherry Blossom Festival. The official site of The Japan Center
at Stony Brooks Sakura Matsuri

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.

Date
Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 12 noon to 5 pm (rain or shine)

Location
Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center.

Schedule
* Beginning at 12 noon with Stony Brook University’s Taiko group “Taiko Tides”, the day is filled with exciting activities for children and adults.

* Martial Arts Demonstrations: Ryu Shu Kan Karate, Kobudo, Kendo and Columbia Naginata

* Masayo Ishigure, who celebrates her 25th anniversary of moving to NYC, will perform with her Koto and Samisen ensemble: Miyabi. Kaoru Watanabe is coming fresh off the successful premier of his “Symphony #1 with Taiko” at the Sydney, Australia Opera House and his performance on the soundtrack of Wes Anderson’s movie “Isle of Dogs” in theaters staring March 23; will perform with his Modern Taiko group Neo. Junko Fisher will perform Okinawan Dance and collaborate with Yosakoi dance group, 10Tecomai. Ichfujikai traditional Japanese Dance company and Long Island’s own Ryu Shu Taiko Drums of Japan will light up the stage and dazzle you with a variety of Japanese dance, and music. Daniel Nyohaku Soergel will perform on the Shakuhachi in the Bamboo Atrium.

* COSPLAY-This Year Featuring A Cosplay Fashion Show presented by CosplayNYC magazine

* Activities will include Kimono Dress-up and workshops in Origami, and learn to draw 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) and try Kimono Fashions. Performances of Shakuhachi-bamboo flute- will include the mysterious sounds of Zen Shakuhachi. Martial Arts demonstrations will include Okinawan Karate and Kobudo (Ancient weapons), Kendo (Samurai Swordsmanship), AND… Naginata (Halberd) by the Columbia Univ. Naginata Club.

3 Theater Performances:
12:30 - 1:30pm
* Masayo Ishigure 25th Anniversary celebration with her:
* Miyabi~Koto/Samisen Ensemble

2:00 - 3:00pm
* Ichifujikai Traditional Japanese Dance
* Kaoru Watanabe & Neo Ensemble

4:00 pm - 5:00pm
* Junko Fisher - Okinawan Dance
* 10Tecomai Yosakoi Dance
* Ryu Shu Taiko

Please click here for more information on these performers.
Admission to ALL 3 Performances, PLUS: Tea Ceremony, Shakuhachi, Origami, Manga drawing (wristbands provided to show proof of admission):
Adults: $20
Students & Seniors: $10
Kids Ages 6 - 12: $5
Kids 5 & under: FREE

The festival is from 12 noon to 5 pm rain or shine - Japanese lunch will be available for sale in the Jasmine restaurant.
For information - please call Ryu Shu Kan: 631-698-2467
For Tickets - Please call the Charles B. Wang Center: 631- 632-1944