Sakura festival celebrates Japanese culture with food, fun

By T.C. Sprencel
University News Service
April 1, 2010

The Japanese Language and Culture Club at Texas State University-San Marcos will host the annual Sakura festival April 12 from 5-8 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. Admission will be $3.

The event, which celebrates Japanese culture and the arrival of spring, will cater to anyone who is interested in learning about the East Asian nation.

“You don’t have to know anything about Japan to have a great time at the Sakura festival,” said club president Wyatt Taylor. “The festival will help people to get a well-rounded idea of what the culture is like.”

The goal of the festival is to promote awareness of Japanese culture and traditions throughout the Texas State campus and community. The event will feature an array of exhibits, activities and entertainment. Scheduled attractions include traditional and modern dance performances, martial arts demonstrations by groups from Texas State and surrounding areas, and a number of booths with information on Japanese food, music and customs.

The Sakura festival, named after a type of Japanese cherry blossom, originated in ancient Japan as a way to celebrate new beginnings and spiritual reinvigoration associated with the spring season. A number of cities, including many in Japan and the United States, host their own Sakura festivals annually.

For more information, please contact Wyatt Taylor at (512) 963-9441, or via email at wt1026@txstate.edu.