Schedule of Events:

Opening Ceremony

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique, one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.

Opening Ceremony Performers

Kazunori Kumagai

Kazunori Kumagai began tap dancing at age 15 and moved to the US at age 19. He was described as a “true tap artist” by the NY Times. In 2006, he was selected by Dance Magazine as one of the “25 dancers to watch in the world,” and in 2014 he received the Flo-Bert Award in NY, and in 2016 he received the Bessie Award. Kumagai was selected as one of the “100 Japanese people respected by the world” by Newsweek magazine in 2019. Kumagai also performed, choreographed, and composed music for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Currently has two main bases in New York and Japan, and is expanding his activities to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. His unique and one-of-a-kind art is evolving every day, creating a new future for tap dance.

Seiwa Bunraku

Seiwa Bunraku is the only remaining traditional puppetry organization in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Seiwa Bunraku puppet theater began about 170 years ago (toward the end of the Edo period) in Seiwa Village (now the Seiwa section of Yamato Town, Kumamoto Prefecture), when local farmers learned from visiting members of the Awaji Puppet Troupe. While going through rises and declines, the performing art was passed down by farming communities.

In 2022, as part of a reconstruction effort from the Kumamoto Earthquake, “Chopper, Embarking from the Winter Sakura” was presented in collaboration with ONE PIECE, a popular manga by Eiichiro Oda, who is from Kumamoto Prefecture. A remake of the play adapted to the scale of Seiwa Bunrakukan has been staged since 2023, and now in March 2025, the highlight of the work will be presented abroad for the first time at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

Kana Uemura

Ka-Na (Kana Uemura) is a Gold record-selling singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Japan. She has enjoyed much success over the years with her music being featured on popular radio and TV stations across Japan as well as publishing an autobiography. She is best known for her song “Fairy of the Bathroom”, an acoustic ballad about her grandmother, which became a #1 hit in 2010. That year she also won two Japan Record Awards: Best Song and Best Songwriter of the Year with her album “Pieces of Me”.

She credits Julie Andrews’ performance in “The Sound of Music” as her inspiration to write, sing, and play music. Since signing with King Records in 2005, Ka-Na, under the name of Kana Uemura, has released nine studio albums, 13 singles, a cover album of English songs, and 16 music videos.

Ka-Na moved to New York in late 2016 and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Club Bonafide, Rockwood Music Hall, Bitter End in New York City, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In January 2019, Ka-Na released her 7-song EP “Happiness”, which was produced with Steve Addabo – known for his work with Suzanne Vega and Shawn Colvin – and featured many international artists including GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter Ari Hest.

Maui Taiko

A Cultural Pillar in Maui’s Community

Maui Taiko brings taiko drumming to life through performances, workshops, and cultural events. Their mission is to entertain, educate, and preserve Japanese taiko drumming heritage.

Taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, has a long history. It was used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and as a means of communication in ancient Japan. Today, taiko is a visually striking performance art that combines rhythm, energy, and athleticism. Maui Taiko uses eighteen drums crafted from recycled wine barrels and helps temples re-skin old taiko drums to preserve them. Continuing a centuries-old tradition of performing “Fukushima Ondo” at local obon dances that honor ancestors, Maui Taiko keeps this vital aspect of cultural heritage alive. These obon dances are a time for community gathering, reflecting on the past, and celebrating the lives of those who came before us.

Maui Taiko is committed to education through workshops and training, sharing the techniques, history, and cultural significance of taiko drumming. They collaborate with various organizations to promote cultural diversity and understanding.

Maui Taiko is more than a performing group; they are custodians of a rich cultural heritage. Through their innovative use of materials, dedication to preserving traditional songs, and commitment to education, they ensure that taiko drumming continues to thrive. Their performances celebrate rhythm, history, and community, inspiring future generations to cherish taiko traditions.