2008 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia,
April 5 - April 19, 2008

Philadelphia, PA – After hibernating through the cold, gray months of winter, return to the outdoors and embrace the vibrancy of spring during the 2008 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, April 5 to April 19.  

This year’s Festival – the largest in its 11-year history – offers visitors many chances to explore and experience the culture of Japan, from traditional customs and cuisine to delicate crafts and awe-inspiring performances.  Events take place in venues across the Philadelphia area.  Most are free and there is something for every age to enjoy.  A full schedule is online at http://jasgp.org/sakura/ and event information is available by calling 215-790-3810.

The Aramark Gala of the Subaru Cherry Blossom kicks off this year’s festival on April 5 amidst the flowers of Longwood Gardens. This elegant affair includes Kagamibiraki – a sake barrel-breaking ceremony – a tradition in Japan for marking a special occasion or important event.  The evening also includes a silent auction and a live band. 

Festival participants take to the Center City pavement during the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Sidewalk Parade.  Join revelers on Monday, April 7, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. as they enjoy Taiko drummers, Kimono Ladies and Japanese dance performers.  This animated parade makes a loop around the Avenue of the Arts and finishes with a stage performance in Dilworth Plaza in front of City Hall.
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Japanese Culture Week, at Liberty Place Rotunda, April 8-11, again offers lively performances and demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts.  These free activities take place daily, noon to 2 p.m. 

Back again for the fourth year, Sake Fest of Philadelphia will take place at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel on April 9.  This unique tasting event will feature dozens of sake brewers and importers pairing their delicious sakes and plum wines with an array of food – from cheese to chocolate. 

One of the annual highlights of the Festival is Sakura Sunday, a Festival favorite for families in the Delaware Valley.  Held this year on April 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center, Sakura Sunday is a daylong extravaganza of art, food and entertainment.  Visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony, Ikebana and martial arts demonstrations, origami, calligraphy, kite making workshops, and taiko drumming and dance.  Shofuso, a 16th Century Japanese house and garden beloved by Fairmount Park visitors, is also open throughout the day for.  All activities are free.

Other Festival highlights include:

• Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance.  Thunderous taiko drumming, Japanese folk music and colorful dancing by Tamagawa Taiko.  These breathtaking performances have been acclaimed around the world. 

• Japanese Story Hours.  Librarians read Japanese stories to children at area libraries and select libraries feature arts and crafts activities for children.  Ongoing throughout the Festival.

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, a project of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the City Representative, is an initiative to encourage a better understanding of the cultural, social and educational customs of Japan and the United States.  The Festival also seeks to beautify the Philadelphia landscape by annually planting and maintaining 100 cherry trees in Fairmount Park as a gift to the city.  To date, the JASGP has planted 1,000 cherry trees to supplement the 1,600 flowering trees donated by the Japanese government as a gesture of friendship in 1926.  In the spring of 2007, the JASGP completed the planting of a total of 1,000 cherry trees in Fairmount Park.  Beginning in 2008, JASGP will plant cherry trees in community and neighborhood parks around Philadelphia. 

Digital photos and additional information on cherry trees, cherry blossom traditions in Japan and the work of the JASGP are available at http://jasgp.org/sakura.

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Founded in 1994, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia is an association of individuals, corporations and organizations devoted to fostering relationships between Americans and Japanese by promoting and encouraging better understanding of the business, cultural, social, educational, and political practices and customs of Japan and the U.S. 

Contact:  Betsy Parkins, Steege/Thomson Communications
Phone:  215-747-7700
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Sam Malissa, Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Phone:  215-790-3810
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