St. Paul Cherry Blossom Festival

About

The annual celebration of the gift of cherry trees from the Japanese government in 2012 will take place from 9 to 11:30 am on Saturday, May 3rd. Taikollaborative will start us off with a BANG at 9 am near the Mannheimer Memorial, Sansei Yonsei Kai will perform traditional Sakura dances and also invite the audience to participate. We have two special guests this year. Edo Bayashi will perform a traditional Lion Dance and former Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue will be in attendance! Crafts will include origami, newspaper samurai hats, water colors, making cherry blossom branches, festival headbands, and uchiwa fans. Activities will be spread throughout the Mannheimer area (Butterfly parking lot) and people can also walk the Global Harmony Labyrinth on the far side of the lily pond.

Event highlights

• Opening performance by Taikollaborative (9:00 a.m.)
• Traditional Sakura dances by Sansei Yonsei Kai, with audience participation
• Edo Bayashi performance, featuring a traditional Japanese Lion Dance
• Cultural crafts: origami, watercolor painting, cherry blossom branches, festival headbands, samurai hats, uchiwa fans
• Japanese games and family activities across the Mannheimer area
• “When Will the Cherry Trees Bloom?” contest winners announced
• Guided walk through the Global Harmony Labyrinth near the lily pond
• Special guest: Former Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue

The event offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions in the heart of St. Paul, creating moments of joy and connection across generations.