Sakura, the first spring festival of traditional Japanese art

Date: April 14th – 19th
Venue: Sokolniki Exhibition and Convention Centre

What to do: The festival is a non-profit, social and educational project. The project's organizers are the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy and the National Union of Calligraphers. According to their plan, the festival in Moscow will gather all art forms of Japan in one place, which were established and developed in the capital thanks to the efforts of Russian fans of Japanese culture.

Japanese people celebrate Hanami, the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of Sakura cherry blossoms, in April with the first warm days. This spring Muscovites and guests of the capital will have a chance to learn about old Japanese traditions. The first Festival of Japanese Culture Sakura will last no more than a week, just like the Japanese cherry blossoming, from April 14th to 19th. Everyone can enjoy the versatility of the Land of the Rising Sun national cultural heritage.

As a part of the festival’s vast programme the guests will be able to visit the exhibition of Japanese calligraphy, the exhibition of painting and applied items; discover national art forms, Japanese cuisine, tea ceremonies; learn about the country and the traditions of Japanese ethnicity in lectures and workshops. The performances of bands, master classes, a retrospective show of films about Japan and other interesting events were also announced.

A unique two-storey pavilion, the one and only in Russia, especially built for the occasion in the greenbelt of Moscow is going to be the venue to hold the Spring Festival, what is quite symbolic. The ultra-modern, elegant and stylishly decorated interior of the building is a great place to realize all the planned events of the festival. It might become a traditional place to hold events devoted to the days of culture of different countries in the future.

The festival will feature the participation of: the Moscow Origami Club, Sogetsu Japanese School of Plants Arrangement, the Russian Kendo Federation, the Go Federation, the Russian Kobudo Federation, Gengo Centre of Japanese language and culture, Japproart Gallery of Japanese Art and Antiques, Bonsai Centre Cultural center, Vesta-Centre International Restaurant Association (chain restaurants: Yakitoriya, Gin-no Taki, Menza), Sakura Kai Blossom society, Yamata Russi Company, A&D Company and many others.

The festival kicks off on April 14th, 2009 at 2 pm. Sokolniki Exhibition and Convention Centre, 1 Sokolnichesky val, Exhibit Hall 7a.

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