Saturday, April 28–Sunday, April 29 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
-
Members of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY. Left: photo by Jason Gardner; right: Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
Parasol Society Promenade led by happyfunsmile. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
A member of Dancejapan performing Nihon Buyo Classical Dance. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Samurai sword master and MC Yoshi Amao. Photos by Jason Gardner.
-
Manga artist Kensuke Okabayashi. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
Visitors enjoying Okinawan pop band happyfunsmile. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Kds’ origami workshop. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Dancer and choreographer Sachiyo Ito. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Left: ikebana designs. Photo by Jason Gardner; right: a specimen in the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum. Photo by Julian Velasco.
-
Members of the BBG Parasol Society. Photos by Mike Ratliff.
-
Members of the BBG Parasol Society. Photos by Mike Ratliff.
-
Anime stand-up comedy with Uncle Yo. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
Mataro Ningyo dolls. Photos by Maria Velazquez.
-
Taiko drumming with Soh Daiko. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Members of Samurai Sword Soul. Left photo by Jason Gardner; right photo courtesy of Samurai Sword Soul.
-
Sakura Matsuri visitors. Left photo by Mike Ratliff; right photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Manga artist Misako Rocks!. Photo courtesy of Misako Rocks!.
-
Manga Illustration by Misako Rocks!. Photo courtesy of Misako Rocks!.
-
Left: Yuki Ishiwata of J-pop band Yuki and Cuties. Photo courtesy of Yukiko Ishiwata. Right: jazz artist Kuni Mikami of East of the Sun. Photo courtesy of Kuni Mikami.
-
A box of portable poetry from the kids’ matchbox haiku workshop. Photo courtesy of Curious Jane Camps.
-
Documentary film screening with director Kyoko Gasha. Image courtesy of Kyoko Gasha.
-
Traditional tea ceremony, Urasenke Chanoyu Center. Photo by Jason Gardner.
-
Members of Japanese rock band Neo Blues Maki. Photos by Mike Ratliff.
-
Visitors enjoying the game of go. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
J-pop big band Morning Musuko. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
-
Models from the Cosplay Fashion Show. Photos by Jason Gardner.
A weekend celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture
Taiko Drumming • Manga Artists • J-Pop Bands • Tea Ceremonies Samurai Sword Fighting •
Cosplay Fashion Show • Bonsai Demonstrations • Minbu Folk Dance •
Kids’ Workshops • Puzzle Plaza and More!
View Schedule of Weekend Events
Schedule of Events
CHERRY ESPLANADE PERFORMANCES
| 11:30–11:45 |
NY Suwa Taiko Children’s Team
The next generation of taiko drummers
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 11:45–12:30 |
Taiko Masala
Traditional taiko drumming and martial arts
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 1:00–1:45 |
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Nihon Buyo classical dance and Ryukyu Buyo Okinawan dance
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 2:00–2:45 |
happyfunsmile
Funky Okinawan pop
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 2:45–4:00 |
BBG Parasol Society Promenade*
Tokyo goth gals, Victorian maidens, and boho Bo-Peeps stroll the grounds
Music by happyfunsmile
From Cherry Esplanade Stage to Osborne Garden
* Registration 11 a.m.–1 p.m. behind Cherry Esplanade Stage. |
| 3:15–4:00 |
Neo Blues Maki
Japanese rock meets enka poetry
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 4:15–5:00 |
Samurai Sword Soul: God Only Knows
An action-packed drama by martial arts masters
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 5:15–6:00 |
Yuki and Cuties
J-Pop Brooklyn style
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
OSBORNE GARDEN PERFORMANCES
| 12:30–1:15 |
Manga for Dummies…Live!
Doodle with Manga for Dummies creator Kensuke Okabayashi
J-Lounge Stage |
| 1:00–1:45 |
Hanagasa Odori: Flower Hat Dance Procession
Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Osborne Garden North |
| 1:30–2:00 |
Uncle Yo: Anime Stand-up Comedy
Geek comedy for the American otaku
J-Lounge Stage |
| 2:30–3:00 |
Dance Party with Tenshi No Ai
Cuteness comes in all forms
J-Lounge Stage |
| 2:15–3:00 |
Butoh Dance Performance
Dean Street FOO Dance
Osborne Garden North |
| 4:15–5:15 |
Animate It: Manga Made Before Your Eyes
Pokémon voice artist Veronica Taylor gives life to characters by manga maven Misako Rocks!
J-Lounge Stage |
TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY ARTS
| 10:00–5:00 |
Ikebana Flower Arrangements
Students of master Fumiko Allinder
Rotunda |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Traditional Japanese Incense
Nippon Kodo
Magnolia Plaza |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Hana Kanzashi Hair Ornaments
T&K Simply Handmade
Magnolia Plaza |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Vintage Kimonos
Yoko Trading
Magnolia Plaza |
| 12:30–2:00 |
Ikebana Flower Arranging Demonstration
Fumiko Allinder, Sogetsu expert
Auditorium |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Mataro Ningyo Doll Museum
Kimekomi Doll Club
Members’ Room |
| 2:00–3:00 |
Moku Hanga
Woodblock Printing Demonstration
April Vollmer
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 4:00–4:45 |
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Urasenke Chanoyu Center
Auditorium |
MANGA MADNESS & RIVETING READS
| 10:00–5:00 |
J-Lounge Manga Journal
Calling manga artists of all ages!
Sketch your favorite Sakura sightings and add them to this site-specific art installation
Osborne Garden |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Springtime Stacks
Peruse BBGʼs books on plants and gardens
Gardener’s Resource Center |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Kinokuniya Sakura Shop
America’s largest Japanese bookstore moves outdoors
Osborne Garden |
| 12:30–1:15 |
Manga for Dummies…Live!
Doodle with Manga for Dummies creator Kensuke Okabayashi
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden |
| 1:30–3:30 |
Meet Manga Artist Misako Rocks!
Book signings with the manga master
Kinokuniya Sakura Shop at Osborne Garden |
| 4:15–5:15 |
Animate It: Manga Made Before Your Eyes
Pokémon voice artist Veronica Taylor gives life to characters by manga maven Misako Rocks!
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden |
PUZZLE PLAZA
| 1:00–5:00 |
Shogi: Japanese Chess
New York Shogi Club
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
The Game of Go
Brooklyn Go Club
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Hashiwokakero Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Shikaku Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Sudoku Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Meet Puzzle Craftsman Maki Kaji
Book signing with the puzzle pro
Osborne Garden |
KID STUFF
| 11:00–11:45 |
Children’s Suzuki Recital
Brooklyn College Preparatory Center
Auditorium |
| 11:30–11:45 |
Children’s Taiko Drumming Recital
NY Suwa Taiko Children’s Team
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 1:00–4:00 |
Matchbox Haiku Workshop
Kids craft a pocket-sized box of portable poetry
Curious Jane Camps
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–4:00 |
Friendship Wrist Cuff Workshop
Kids decorate a rice-paper bracelet using Japanese plant stamps
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Ori-Model Paper Folding
Kids create a 3-D paper school bus and fire engine
Taro’s Origami Studio
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00¬–5:00 |
Samurai Origami Workshop
Kids fold their own paper helmet
Jeremy Aaron Horland
Osborne Garden |
| 2:30–3:15 |
Taiko Drumming Workshop
Kids learn taiko rhythms with drum master Hiro Kurashima
Auditorium |
BONSAI
| 10:00–5:00 |
Living Sculpture: Bonsai Exhibit
Friends of Bonsai
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Bonsai Basics for Home Gardeners
Friends of Bonsai
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| Noon–1:00 |
The Art of Bonsai
Join a lecture by BBG bonsai curator Julian Velasco
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 2:00–4:00 |
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum Tours
BBG Garden Guides
Steinhardt Conservatory |
TOURS
| 10:00–Noon |
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
BBG Garden Guides
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden |
| 1:00–2:00 |
Seasonal Highlights Tour
BBG Garden Guides
Visitor Center |
| 2:00–4:00 |
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
BBG Garden Guides
Steinhardt Conservatory |
CHERRY ESPLANADE PERFORMANCES
| Noon–12:45 |
Soh Daiko
Traditional taiko drumming
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 1:00–1:45 |
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Nihon Buyo classical dance and Ryukyu Buyo Okinawan dance
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 2:00–2:30 |
Kuni Mikami and East of the Sun
Jazz-inspired renditions of traditional folk songs
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 2:45–3:30 |
Minbu Folk Dance
Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 3:45–4:30 |
Samurai Sword Soul: God Only Knows
An action-packed drama by martial arts masters
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 4:45–5:15 |
Morning Musuko
Brassy J-pop big band
Cherry Esplanade Stage |
| 5:15–6:00 |
Cosplay Fashion Show
Hosted by Uncle Yo
Live music by Morning Musuko
Curated by NY Anime Festival
Cherry Esplanade Stage
CLICK HERE TO APPLY (Deadline April 17, 2012) |
OSBORNE GARDEN PERFORMANCES
| 12:30–1:00 |
Uncle Yo: Anime Stand-up Comedy
Geek comedy for the American otaku
J-Lounge Stage |
| 1:30–2:15 |
Manga for Dummies…Live!
Doodle with Manga for Dummies creator Kensuke Okabayashi
J-Lounge Stage |
| 2:15–3:00 |
Butoh Dance Performance
Dean Street FOO Dance
Osborne Garden North |
| 2:30–3:30 |
Animate It: Manga Made Before Your Eyes
Pokémon voice artist Veronica Taylor gives life to characters by manga maven Misako Rocks!
J-Lounge Stage |
| 3:45–4:15 |
Magician Rich Kameda
Classic illusions with a Japanese twist
J-Lounge Stage |
TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY ARTS
| 10:00–5:00 |
Ikebana Flower Arrangements
Students of master Fumiko Allinder
Rotunda |
| 11:00–12:30 |
Ikebana Flower Arranging Demonstration
Fumiko Allinder, Sogetsu expert
Auditorium |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Traditional Japanese Incense
Nippon Kodo
Magnolia Plaza |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Hana Kanzashi Hair Ornaments
T&K Simply Handmade
Magnolia Plaza |
| 11:00–5:00 |
Vintage Kimonos
Yoko Trading
Magnolia Plaza |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Mataro Ningyo Doll Museum
Kimekomi Doll Club
Members’ Room |
| 1:15–2:15 |
Sohenryu-Style Tea Ceremony
Tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Kyoko Gasha
Auditorium |
| 2:00–3:00 |
Moku Hanga
Woodblock Printing Demonstration
April Vollmer
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 2:45–3:45 |
Sohenryu-Style Tea Ceremony
Tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Kyoko Gasha
Auditorium |
| 4:00–5:30 |
Film Screening:
Mothersʼ Way Daughtersʼ Choice
Directed by Kyoko Gasha
English and Japanese with subtitles, 83 minutes
Documentary about the challenges women face balancing Japanese traditions and modern life.
Auditorium |
| 5:30–5:45 |
Post-screening Q&A
A conversation with film director Kyoko Gasha and her mother, Kumiko Shimizu
Auditorium |
MANGA MADNESS & RIVETING READS
| 10:00–5:00 |
J-Lounge Manga Journal
Calling manga artists of all ages!
Sketch your favorite Sakura sightings and add them to this site-specific art installation
Osborne Garden |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Springtime Stacks
Peruse BBGʼs books on plants and gardens
Gardener’s Resource Center |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Kinokuniya Sakura Shop
America’s largest Japanese bookstore moves outdoors
Osborne Garden |
| Noon–2:00 |
Meet Manga Artist Misako Rocks!
Book signings with the manga master
Kinokuniya Sakura Shop at Osborne Garden |
| 1:30–2:15 |
Manga for Dummies…Live!
Doodle with Manga for Dummies creator Kensuke Okabayashi
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden |
2:30–3:30 |
Animate It: Manga Made Before Your Eyes
Pokémon voice artist Veronica Taylor gives life to characters by manga maven Misako Rocks!
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden |
PUZZLE PLAZA
| 1:00–5:00 |
Shogi: Japanese Chess
New York Shogi Club
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
The Game of Go
Brooklyn Go Club
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Hashiwokakero Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Shikaku Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Sudoku Pencil Puzzles
Nikoli Puzzle Company
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Meet Puzzle Craftsman Maki Kaji
Book signing with the puzzle pro
Osborne Garden |
KID STUFF
| 1:00–4:00 |
Matchbox Haiku Workshop
Kids craft a pocket-sized box of portable poetry
Curious Jane Camps
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–4:00 |
Friendship Wrist Cuff Workshop
Kids decorate a rice-paper bracelet using Japanese plant stamps
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Ori-Model Paper Folding
Kids create a 3-D paper school bus and fire engine
Taro’s Origami Studio
Osborne Garden |
| 1:00–5:00 |
Samurai Origami Workshop
Kids fold their own paper helmet
Jeremy Aaron Horland
Osborne Garden |
| 3:45–4:15 |
Magician Rich Kameda
Classic illusions with a Japanese twist
J-Lounge Stage |
BONSAI
| 10:00–5:00 |
Living Sculpture: Bonsai Exhibit
Friends of Bonsai
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 10:00–5:00 |
Bonsai Basics for Home Gardeners
Friends of Bonsai
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| Noon–1:00 |
The Art of Bonsai
Join a lecture by BBG bonsai curator Julian Velasco
Steinhardt Conservatory |
| 2:00–4:00 |
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
BBG Garden Guides
Steinhardt Conservatory |
TOURS
| 10:00–Noon |
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
BBG Garden Guides
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden |
| 1:00–2:00 |
Seasonal Highlights Tour
BBG Garden Guides
Visitor Center |
| 2:00–4:00 |
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
BBG Garden Guides
Steinhardt Conservatory |
