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Japanese House visits Sakura Matsuri!
(Report from sakura matsuri by W&M student Ulric Summerlin)
On March 28, 2026, the William and Mary Japanese House went to Virginia Beach to experience the Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) taking place there. The event took place in a beautiful park with several attractions such as a main stage, cherry blossoms, various tents selling goods, and much more.
The main attraction as well as the name of the festival was the cherry blossoms (Figure 1). Despite it being slightly cold, the wind blowing the blossoms and the petals littering the path was almost picturesque. It perfectly showcased the concept of shogyōmujō or the impermanence of all things. The cherry blossoms bloom for only a short time before falling off never to be seen until the following spring.
Besides the path lined with cherry blossom trees, one of the major attractions was the main stage (Figure 2) where several different performances took place such as a Koto Performance and a Taiko Performance. Later in the day, the audience was able to experience playing the koto for a bit. Even several J-House members had tried playing.
We also saw various pieces created to symbolize the close relationship between the Sister Cities of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Miyazaki, Japan.
For images of these as well as the various activities experienced by J-House, created by Kara P., one of William and Mary’s J-House members.