The 38th Annual Torrance Bunka-Sai
May 1 (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 2 (Sunday) 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Free parking, free admission
Torrance Sister City Association will be celebrating Japanese culture and festivities at the 38th annual Bunka-Sai Japanese cultural festival from Saturday, May 1 to Sunday, May 2 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Ken Miller Recreation Center on 3341 Torrance Boulevard in Torrance.
Bunka-Sai is the perfect family-friendly outing to experience the culture of Japan and supporting a great cause.
Every year, Torrance Sister City Association hosts the Bunka-Sai fundraiser to support the student exchange program for the eight selected students participating in global relations and international friendship.
Students volunteer at Bunka-Sai in collaboration with multiple organizations to provide participants with delicious food, stunning art exhibits, live entertainment, unique gifts for purchase, and exciting raffle drawings.
Torrance Sister City Association’s Student Club will also be providing several game booths catered to children. Public are invited to join in experiencing Japanese culture and creating memories.
Stage Program
Saturday, May 1
11:35 AM: Welcome on the Torino Plaza Stage
11:45 AM: Introductory remarks by M.C. Gene Barnett, Torrance City Council
11:50 – 12:20 PM: Okinawa dances by Toyomu-kai
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Japanese choral music by Choral Arts South Bay with Richard Momma, director and piano accompanist Kazuko Yasukawa
1:10 – 1:40 PM: Judo by South Bay Judo
1:50 – 2:20 PM: Naginata (martial arts) by Southern California Naginata Federation
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Kendo by Torrance Kendo Club
3:10 – 3:40 PM: Japanese folk singing by Matsutoyo-kai
3:50 – 4:20 PM: Taiko by Koshin Taiko
Sunday, May 2
11:35 AM: Welcome on the Torino Plaza Stage
11:45 AM: Introductory remarks by M.C. Dan Fichtner
11:50 – 12:20 PM: Shodo (calligraphy) by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu-kai
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) by Schultz Shozan
1:10 – 1:40 PM: Buyo (dance) by Bando Mitsuhiro-kai
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Ninjutsu (martial arts) by The Way of the Shadow Martial Arts Academy
3:10 – 3:40 PM: Aikido (martial arts) by Torrance Aikido Club
3:50 – 4:20 PM: Taiko by Isami Taiko of Gardena Buddhist Church
4:30 PM: Grand Prize Drawing
Arts, Crafts and Gift exhibit
3-D Japanese Art and Shadow Box: Framed 3-D Art Work, Michiko Miyazaki [310] 328-1287
Heart & Hand: Japanese Fabric Clothing & Gift Items, Eriko Page [661] 822-3107
Jan Kagimoto: Gift Items, [310] 323-6289
Japanesque Accents: Japanese Fabric Gift Items, Melissa Hennrick [310] 533-0432
Just a Glimmer: Fabric Gift Items, Amy Myamura [310] 408-2299
Kana Aida: Handmade Pottery, [310] 951-3020
Kawai Sumi-e Club: Japanese Brush Painting, Sharon Neff [310] 326-1472
Kihara Arts and Crafts Studio: Seigyoku Kihara [310] 538-5447
Now and Zen: Jewelry and Vintage Kimono Clothing Items, Esther Kodama [626] 333-5572
Roketsu: Japanese Batik, Masae Saga [310] 538-5280
TSCA Gift Booth: Ann Smisek [310] 540-4240
United Studios of Self Defense: Martial Arts Gear & Classes, Brent Murakami [310] 539-6797
Food Concessions
Beef Plate Lunch: Cabbage Salad, Rice
Cotton Candy
Curry with Rice
Deserts & Beverages
Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies: Maui Wowi Hawaiian
Japanese National Honors Society: Peninsula High School
Okinawa Dango (Donuts)
Shaved Ice & Jewelry: South Bay Judo Club
Sushi
Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki: Al De Naide Co., ltd.
Thank you, Yakisoba & Cabbage Salad donors!: JSL Foods (noodles) Otafuku Foods, Inc. (sauce) Randy’s Market (produce)
Children’s Activities
Shrinky Dinks, Let’s Go Fishing, Bean Bag Toss, Picture Frames, Water Balloons: Torrance Sister City Association Student Club
Children’s Art Class: Saga Arts Center
Origami (Paper Folding): Cooper’s Creasers