Sakura Matsuri has four stages and over 40 performances across two days so you can experience Japan your way in 2025! Enjoy martial arts, Japanese dance, music, taiko, sumo, and so much more…

2025 Featured Events

Sunday Sumo At The Matsuri

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is unleashing a spectacle of raw power and ancient tradition upon the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival: SUNDAY SUMO AT THE MATSURI!

For one day only, SUNDAY, APRIL 13th, the very ground beneath your feet will resonate with the thunderous clash of two titans of the dohyo! We are beyond thrilled to announce that the legendary, world-renowned Sumo wrestlers, ICHI and HIROKI, will descend upon our festival for an electrifying, live exhibition bout!

This is a SUNDAY EXCLUSIVE! This is your chance to experience the heart-pounding excitement of Sumo, right here in the heart of Washington DC. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to witness history in the making. Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to be utterly captivated! SUNDAY, APRIL 13th – BE THERE!

Ulma Sound Junction

Ulma Sound Junction is a four-piece progressive rock band formed by childhood friends from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Unpredictable developments and memorable melodies instantly draw you into an overwhelming world view—”Cinematic Core” – ulma sound junction.

With a folkloric mood, Ba&Vo Hisao Tamura’s stunning vocals, avant-garde rhythms blended with vocals by Dr. Tamotsu Kasehonto’s high-sensibility drumming, emotional and extravagant lead guitar by Gt. Yoshitaka Yamazato, and the pop arrangement sense of Shun Fukusato that conveys the songs simply, the “ulma sound,” made only by these four members, truly holds world-class potential. You can catch them at the Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival on both days (April 12th and 13th)!

Legends of Japanese Baseball: Boomer Wells and Ralph Bryant

Ralph Bryant and Boomer Wells were superstars of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. They will be interviewed on stage by DCM Takehiro Shimada and JASWDC President Ryan Shaffer. Hear about the life and experience of two American legends of Japanese baseball, and come find them at the Meet the Artist before and after the interview for autographs and photos, all in support of Japan Retired Foreign Players Association – only on Saturday, April 12th!

Tamagawa University Taiko & Dance

Thundering taiko drumming meets traditional Japanese dance as nearly thirty drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University take the stage. As one of the top-ranking taiko groups in Japan, coming out of Japan’s top performing arts university, they have been sharing the beauty of Japanese culture since 1961. Come check them out on Saturday, April 12th!

Sakura Matsuri Sake Barrel Ceremony (Kagami Biraki)

The Japanese traditional kagami biraki ceremony celebrates an opening or new beginning by smashing open a barrel of sake. The Matsuri’s Saturday kagami biraki celebrates the ceremonial start of the 2025 Matsuri!