The 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival got underway with an elaborate opening ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, March 25. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. The date of this event had to be moved up one day due to the anticipated crowds expected downtown for the March for Our Lives.
Japan’s new ambassador to the United States, Shinsuke Sugiyama, delivered the keynote address with his wife Yoko standing beside him. “As the ambassador appointed by my government, I very much would like to send my best regards to you all here, the people in D.C.,” said Japan’s former vice foreign minister.
The opening ceremony celebrated the season through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent, including the following performers: jazz pianist Akiko Yano; Japanese pop singer Takanori Nishikawa whose stage name is T.M. Revolution; the 6821 Quintet; and the Shado Girls of Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School.
Bill Kelly and Alison Starling, chief meteorologist and anchor, respectively, for ABC7/WJLA, served as emcees. Speakers included Diana Mayhew, president, National Cherry Blossom Festival; Chinyere Hubbard, vice president, communications and marketing, Events DC; Shinichiro Ito, chairman of the board, All Nippon Airways; and Lauren Vaughan, secretary of the District of Columbia.
Bloomia, a direct-to-retail flower company based in King George, Virginia, handed out 4,500 hydroponically grown tulips to attendees as they exited the theater.
A series of Japan-related events such as Japanese art exhibitions and musical performances, kite flying, a lantern lighting ceremony, fireworks and a downtown parade are scheduled for the festival, which runs through April 15. The peak for cherry blossoms is forecast for April 8-12, according to the National Park Service, several weeks after their initial forecast, due to the longer-than-usual winter in the capital.
View Jeff Malet’s photos of the 2018 National Cherry Blossom opening ceremony by clicking on the photo icons below.
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The Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony took place at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Shodo Girls from the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School in Japan complete a work of vibrant calligraphy while dancing to music. Photo by Jeff Malet.
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Bill Kelly and Alison Starling (ABC7/WJLA Chief Meteorologist and Anchor) serve as Masters of Ceremony. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Chinyere Hubbard, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Events DC (photo by Jeff Malet)
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The Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony took place at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Jazz pianist Akiko Yano. When her debut album Japanese Girl was released in 1976, many reputed her to be a “girl with a musical wonder.” To date, Akiko has released 27 original albums. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Japan’s new ambassador to the United States, Shinsuke Sugiyama (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Violist Meng Wang of the 6821 Quintet. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Violinist Mayu Kishima of the 6821 Quintet (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Shinichiro Ito, Chairman of the Board, All Nippon Airways (ANA) (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Japan’s new ambassador to the United States, Shinsuke Sugiyama, engages Lauren Vaughan, Secretary of the District of Columbia, in a game of kendama. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Japan’s new ambassador to the United States, Shinsuke Sugiyama, engages Lauren Vaughan, Secretary of the District of Columbia, in a game of kendama. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Takanori Nishikawa made his debut under his stage name T.M.Revolution (T.M.R.) in May 1996. T.M.R. has built a global fan base and reputation mainly among Japanimation fans. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Takanori Nishikawa made his debut under his stage name T.M.Revolution (T.M.R.) in May 1996. T.M.R. has built a global fan base and reputation mainly among Japanimation fans. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Takanori Nishikawa made his debut under his stage name T.M.Revolution (T.M.R.) in May 1996. T.M.R. has built a global fan base and reputation mainly among Japanimation fans. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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The 6821 Quintet and other performers take final bows. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Goodwill Ambassadors pose after the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Bloomia, a direct-to-retail flower company based in King George, Virginia, handed out 4500 hydroponically grown tulips to attendees of the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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Nick Field of the National Cherry Blossom Festival hands out free tulips to Electra Anest and Mary Lou Collector. (photo by Jeff Malet)