With the cherry blossoms in full bloom it can only mean one thing – it’s time for the annual Sakura Matsuri Festival, which will be held this Saturday, September 22 at the Cowra Japanese Garden.
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There is plenty on for young and young at heart on the day and Cowra Japanese Garden Manager Shane Budge said there are a number of new activities this year.
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“We’ve got the international Kimono Club of Sydney coming, we have Japanese archers and Battodo, which is Japanese sword,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to the Kyudo, which is the Japanese archery.
“One of the things I love about the way things are done in Japanese culture is the ceremony that goes with everything, so coming from archery where it was basically point and shoot, I’m looking forward to seeing the whole ceremony and the way they actually fire the bow.”
Festival goers can expect an engaging Japanese experience, with a number of demonstrations being held throughout the day including bonsai and tea ceremonies.
“Shiko Ito is coming, she does origami and metalsmithing, she will be selling stuff as well as a workshop,” Shane said.
“Maureen McLean, who does shibori, will also be doing indigo demonstrations as well as the art exhibition she always puts in the Education Centre.”
Now in it’s 29th year, the festival will also feature some old favourites.
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“Obviously the stuff that’s been coming year in, year out, the Taiko Drummers, they just bring a whole lot of energy and excitement, their performance is great, they never fail to impress,” Shane said.
“We’ve got the local kids, the Cowra Ballet School and Torsion Youth Choreographic Ensemble, they will be here doing their thing.”
Next year will mark a massive year for Japanese relations in Cowra and Shane says they are already preparing celebrations.
“Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the Cowra Japanese Garden, 30th anniversary of the Sakura Matsuri Festival, 50th anniversary of Seikei exchange and 75th anniversary of the Breakout,” he said.
The Sakura Matsuri Festival will be held on Saturday from 10am till 4pm.