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Published on 04/07/1999 All articles from this issue

Cherry blossom festival celebrates bond with Japan

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Town Crier Staff Report

Attendees at this year's 16th annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, to be held in Memorial Park, will feel as if they are touring Japan. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, this celebration of the blossoming of the park's 200 cherry trees, a gift to the city, also commemorates the bond between sister cities Cupertino and Toyokawa, Japan.

The festival's offerings include a variety of cultural goods, entertainment, arts and crafts, demonstrations, exhibits and a special area for children's activities and hands-on crafts. Outside at the amphitheater, various performances will take place, such as the San Jose Taiko drummers, San Francisco Taiko, Japanese folk and classical dance, music, and fencing and karate demonstrations.

New groups are participating in the festival this year, including Chikaho Kai, an Okinawan dance and drum group, and Shirley Muramoto, an accomplished koto player.

Additionally, dress designer Ruth Mun of Silken Treasures will present her line of garments created from Japanese kimonos at 2:15 p.m. on both days of the festival in the Quinlan Community Center.

Also housed in the Quinlan Community Center are cultural displays and demonstrations, including bonsai, origami, sushi making and Japanese dolls and swords.

The festival benefits the non-profit Cupertino Sister City Committee, which promotes friendship and student exchange programs between the two cities.

Admission is free. For more information call festival coordinator Lucille Honig at (408) 257-7424 or Margaret Abe at 967-0706.