Cherry Blossom Festival Fort Wayne

(Being updated for 2024)

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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.

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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.

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What do you think of when you hear "Japan"? Cherry blossoms, kimono-clad ladies, exotic musical instruments, chopsticks, sushi, samurai, martial arts, tea ceremony, origami, silk, anime characters, bonsai trees......  The Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival has it all! For 16 years we have introduced Japanese culture in many forms to Northeast Indiana and the surrounding states.

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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 2024.

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At our festival, you can not only draw Anime, but dress up as your favorite Anime character for the Cosplay contest. You can try your hand at creating a Haiku poem in the Haiku contest too.

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Would you like to learn about the Tea Ceremony? You can.  Perhaps you would like to see a beautiful kimono close up or try one on for photos? You can do it here.  Are you a crafty person? Come learn how to make beautiful paper creations.   Perhaps you like ACTION! Watch the Martial Arts demonstrations.  Have you ever wondered how those tiny bonsai trees are developed? Come and learn.

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Kendama expert, Michael Tsugawa, will be invited to again demonstrate the art of Kendama, and you will be able to buy your own kendama as well.

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What about the taste of Japanese food? Our food vendors offer a variety of taste adventures, including curry, ramen,  yakisoba, lavendar-flavored ice cream and more!

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And to help you remember your experiences, we have many vendors selling all things “Japanese”, from simple souvenirs to kimonos direct from Japan.  More at MARKET PLACE.

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Mark your calendars!   Come and have a fabulous time!

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