For 6 hours, Noon to 6 pm, the Walb Student Union and surrounding area at Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) will be alive with Japanese arts, crafts and culture, from water games and crafts for kids to Karaoke for older folks. Activities will take place throughout Walb Student Union, the Skybridge.  the Science Mall, Friends Pavilion, and Alumni Plaza.

​Six hours ... so little time and so much to do!!! Come and experience a little bit of Japan! See why thousands of people visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Fort Wayne each year.

Do you enjoy watching Japanese folk dancing? We have it.  How about the amazing sound of the Taiko drums? We have it.  Are you interested in traditional Japanese Koto music or contemporary Classical Japanese music? We will be bringing in favorite artists from past years, and hope to offer some new talent for 2025.

Activities:

BALL SCOOP WATER GAME
Location: Plaza

A festival favorite! Come try your skill at scooping balls out of the water before the paper scoop breaks.

KARAOKE
Location: WU 222~226

Enjoy singing Karaoke-style. Both English and Japanese songs will be available. Be the next singing sensation!

MAKE THE CHERRY TREE BLOOM
Location: Walb Student Union Atrium

Learn to make lovely origami paper cherry blossoms and add them to the lovely screen tree.

PAPER CUTTING WORKSHOP
Location: Atrium Cafeteria
Time: 4:00- 6:00 pm

Watch Janice Furtner create her beautiful and artistic paper cutting designs. Try your hand at creating something beautiful.   She will have a display of some of her work.
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KENDAMA DEMONSTRATIONS
Location: Walb Student Union Atrium and International Ballroom
Time: On-going in Atrium except for International Ballroom st 3:45.

Michael Tsugawa, 3rd Dan Rank from the Japanese Kendama Assocation, will demonstrate the art of kendama and teach any who want to learn.  If desired, kendamas will be available for purchase at the Cherry Blossom Festival merchandise table.

​CHILDRENS GAMES & ACTIVITIES
Location: WU 114 (by Classic Ballroom)

Kids and their families are invited for FREE Cherry Blossom Festival fun provided by the ACPL Children's Department Outreach program and the Japanese American Association of Indiana.  We will be offering several “make-and-take crafts” celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival. Among other things, you may take the “Chopstick Challenge”, make a paper Samurai hat, or color a Japanese-themed paddle fan.