The Olympia-Kato Sister City Association invites the public to attend its Japanese New Year Celebration, Oshogatsu in Olympia. Oshogatsu in Olympia creates the atmosphere of a Japanese New Year celebration and brings the community together to share in a unique experience and learn about Japananese culture. Live entertainment on the mainstage will showcase Japanese dancing and music performances, taiko drumming and martial arts demonstrations. The family-focused event includes over a dozen interactive cultural activities and make & take crafts, demonstrations, Japanese food, and an Art Exhibition where visitors can view and purchase Japanese calligraphy, sumi paintings, paper cuttings and traditional crafts. At the heart of this year’s Oshogatsu event is the Sakura Friendship Ceremony commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the “Gift of Trees” given by Japan to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship. Thousands of Japanese sakura (flowering cherry trees) still line the tidal basin of our nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. The Olympia-Kato Sister City Association, in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, will commemorate this historic gift and the enduring relationship between our countries with this special ceremony.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
