Stony Brook’s Charles B. Wang Center Celebrates Annual Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival
More than 400 people stepped into a world of wonder and beauty at the Charles B. Wang Center and Japan Center’s Cherry Blossom Festival and were mesmerized by the breathtaking blooming of Sakura (cherry blossoms), a sight to behold with 40 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The audience felt the rhythm of Taiko Tides drum ensemble and got lost in the art of ikebana flower arrangements, tea workshops, manga drawing, origami paper folding, bonsai tree exhibit, contemporary Japanese bamboo basket shows, and Sho-do (Brush calligraphy) workshops. They also experienced the thrill of cosplay (costumed role play of a Japanese manga character) and martial art demonstrations by Ryu Shu Kan. There were also delightful performances featuring the sounds of Zen shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Koto/Samisen Ensemble, and Okinawa Dance. The magic of spring was celebrated with martial art demonstrations including karate, Kobudo (Ancient weapons), and Kendo (Samurai Swordsmanship). Related Story: Stony Brook University Charles B. Wang Center Holds Workshop With Artist Sui Park
Yoshi TsuguPhoto by Ed ShinNaoko NishikioriPhoto by Ed ShinJason SchumacherPhoto by Ed ShinHiroko Senese & Gerard SenesePhoto by Ed ShinEric Murphy Assistant to the Director of Cultural Programs, Charles B. Wang Center & Jinyoung Jin, Director of Cultural Programs, Charles B. Wang CenterPhoto by Ed ShinCharles B. Wang Center’s Cherry Blossom FestivalPhoto by Ed ShinCharles B. Wang Center’s Cherry Blossom FestivalPhoto by Ed ShinCharles B. Wang Center’s Cherry Blossom FestivalPhoto by Ed ShinYoshiko Furuse, Tomas Trinidad, Mariko Shibada,,Lena Ries, Debbie Walter & Tomoko Trinidad from 10tecomaiPhoto by Ed ShinSue Gaffney, Daniel Soergel & Doug RossPhoto by Ed ShinSarah Choi, Brian Cheung. Guga Khidasheli, Prof. Eva Nagase (Faculty advisor of Taiko Tides) & Joe Dvorak (Photo by Ed Shin)Masani Morimoto & Zachary GilmanPhoto by Ed ShinKristen Sabatin, a manga illustratorPhoto by Ed Shin