2012 Arizona Matsuri commemorates the centennial of the gifting of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the U.S.
Flowering cherry trees have been symbols of Japan’s friendship to the people of America for 100 years.
In 1912, over 3,000 cherry trees were gifted from the City of Tokyo to the City of Washington, D.C. as a symbol of lasting friendship from the people of Japan.
Since that time, Japanese organizations have made gifts of cherry trees to America to commemorate significant milestones in the relationship between Japan and the United States.
Arizona Matsuri, the 28th Annual Festival of Japan, will be held from Feb 25-26 at Heritage and Science Park, Downtown Phoenix. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The event will feature exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children’s activities, bonsai displays, Japanese food, and 3 stages of live entertainment.
Free admission. For information, call (602) 262-5062 or visit www.azmatsuri.org