2024 Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival Event (Taiko, Okinawan Dance, Brush Calligraphy, Japanese Games, Origami..) Stony Brook UniversityNEW

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.

Date
Sunday, April 21, 2024

Time
12 noon to 5 pm (rain or shine)

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

Details

Scheduled
• 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.
• 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

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), Make your own mini-Taiko Charm, Manga drawing, and Make & Take Bonsai.

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 - 3:30pm: Junko Fisher - Okinawan Dance,

Shakuhachi by Daniel Nyohaku Soergel - Ichifuji-kai Traditional Japanese Dance,

3:30pm - 4pm INTERMISSION
4pm - 4:45pm 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.