Arts & Culture

The Sakura Matsuri’s Arts and Culture section provides a deeply engaging and hands-on experience of Japanese tradition, while also serving as a space for understanding the ongoing relationship and cultural impact of Japan in the United States.

Interactive Cultural Activities

This area is dedicated to giving attendees a chance to not just observe, but to participate in traditional Japanese arts and games. This direct engagement fosters a more memorable and personal connection to the culture.

Typical interactive activities and exhibits often include:

Cultural Demonstrations: Displays by various Japanese heritage organizations, which may feature historical items, regional arts, and other cultural practices.

Traditional Arts Workshops: Hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to try techniques such as:

Calligraphy (Shodo): Learning to use a brush and ink to write Japanese characters.

Origami: The art of paper folding.

Japanese Doll-making and other traditional crafts.

Bonsai: Exhibits showcasing the meticulous art of cultivating miniature trees.

Traditional Games: Many exhibitors teach and play classic games:

Go: Instructors are often on hand to teach the ancient strategy board game.

Mahjong (Japanese Riichi style): Opportunities to learn the rules and play.

Karuta: Demonstrations of this Japanese card game, often featuring the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets).

2026 Vendors (More To Come!)


CELESTIAL BONSAI
Japanese traditional Bonsai Trees grown and cultivated since 1992.
CHIBOO BAKERY

CHIBOO Bakery is a gourmet macaron microbakery bringing unique flavors and fun designs! Flavor highlights: Sakura, Uji Matcha, Hojicha and Black Sesame
DC Riichi Mahjong

Learn the basics and experience the thrill of Japanese Mahjong!
Dolci Gelati

Visit our gelato cart for handcrafted Italian Gelato and Sorbetto with a Japanese twist! Enjoy unique, Japan-inspired flavors made fresh.
Gratitude, compassion, wisdom – Learn more with our diverse sangha at our American Shin Buddhist temple in northern VA.
International Student Conferences (ISC) / National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA)

Join ISC and NABEA to play Japanese games and learn about our programs.
Japan Rail Modelers of Washington DC

Japanese N Scale model train display with Japanese trains and scenes.
Japanese Americans’ Care Fund

Experience Japanese calligraphy and origami.  Also, kimonos, Manga, Japanese studying materials, and Japanese household items are available.
Matcha Cafe Maiko Tysons

Matcha Everything (Drinks, Soft Serve, Powder)
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Building networks of experts in the U.S.-Japan relationship. Learn about our program for federal employees!
National Asian Heritage Festival Fiesta Asia

Previewing interactive Asian Art & Craft activities & an immersive cultural booth experience 
National Go Center

Presenting the game of Go, one of the four talents of a cultured person in ancient Japan.
Oishii

Oishii is excited to return to the Sakura Matsuri with the world’s most delicious Strawberries, fresh from our Smart Farm, the pioneer of sustainable agriculture!
Pearl Fine Teas

Pearl Fine Teas is a woman-owned tea business specializing in direct source premium loose leaf teas and herbals blends. 
Reischauer Center

Learn about Japanese culture, enjoy Japanese activities, and learn about the Reischauer Center!
ROYCE’ Chocolate 

Precisely crafted using only the highest quality ingredients, ROYCE’ has been making exquisite, world class confections in Hokkaido.
Sasakawa USA

Join Sasakawa USA and the Embassy of Japan’s Defense Section to discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Study Japanese in Arlington 

Discover SJA through origami making, relaxed Japanese conversation practice, and authentic matcha tasting that highlights culture, creativity, and connection.
TABLE FOR TWO USA

Join our fun #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Challenge and discover Japanese bento culture while supporting food education!
Temple University, Japan Campus

Japanese Card Making Studio: Decorate a card with Japanese characters!
Toimoi Bakery

Asian-fusion croissants (think mango mochi, black sesame marshmallow) + fresh bakes at TOIMOI’s buzzing tent.
Washington DC Inishie Karuta Club

We exhibit various Hyakunin-isshu karuta cards and related books and demonstrate kyogi karuta. The audience joins in the games, too.
Yama the Firetruck

This working kei fire engine protected Fukui Prefecture from fire starting in 1993.

Scroll to Top
Malcare WordPress Security