Each spring, the Sakura Festival celebrates the arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms. It also recognizes Burlington’s 34-year friendship with its twin city, Itabashi, Japan. The free event will include:

• Greetings from Consul General of Japan, SASAYAMA Takuya and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
• A Japanese drumming performance from Do Kon Daiko
• A demonstration from Shudokan Family Karate
• Burloak Aikikai Aikido martial arts demonstration                                                               
• Japanese dance by Suzuran Odori
• A Koto performance from Logan Scott
• A singing and shamisen performance from Ten Ten Canada, featuring TAKAHASHI Aki
• A performance from dance group Sakuramai
• Taiko (drum), flutes, and shamisen by Nagata Shachu

Also in celebration of Itabashi, Japan, the Taste of Japan event will run at Japanese restaurants in Burlington from May 13 to 31. This event is organized by Tourism Burlington.