Welcome!
Welcome to the 49th annual Cherry Blossom Festival! To view the full schedule of in-person events at the Seattle Center, please click here.
For those who prefer to stay in this year, NHK WORLD-JAPAN has generously released a series of free documentary videos. Please browse the full selection below, and happy watching!
(These videos are co-sponsored by NHK WORLD-JAPAN in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan)
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10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki, Episode 1~4
Since 2007, NHK has been granted exclusive access to the studio of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, documenting his creative process for 10 years. While his films have won international acclaim for their stunning visuals, this four-part documentary series explores the gritty reality behind the scenes. Miyazaki is shown as a passionate artisan, a father going head to head with his son, and a steadfast trailblazer. (49 min. X 4 episodes) Zero Waste Life: Asakusa Washi - Omikuji Recycling
Asakusa, Tokyo, is home to many shrines and temples. Visitors often buy "omikuji," which are small pieces of paper with fortunes written on them. Normally burned for disposal, washi paper artisan Shinoda Kaho came up with the idea of recycling them as a new style of washi, which is not only beautiful but durable as well. Her washi handbags are gaining popularity in and out of Japan. This may well be the birth of a new local specialty in an area long known for papermaking and paper recycling. (25 min.)Zero Waste Life: Kintsugi - Giving New Life to Broken Vessels
Using lacquer to reassemble broken vessels by pasting shards together and coating with gold or silver powder, a technique known as kintsugi. In Western cultures, repairs aim to return a piece to its original state. Kintsugi does the opposite, emphasizing flaws to create newfound beauty. Continuing in the spirit of this tradition dating back to the 15th century, artisan Kuroda Yukiko has garnered worldwide attention. Come witness her precise technique and passion for this unique artform. (25 min.)Carbon Farming: A Climate Solution Under Our Feet
A powerful tool for curbing climate change is right beneath our feet ... soil! Carbon farming, also called regenerative agriculture, is a revolutionary method that traps carbon from the air into the ground to produce nutritious food. Instead of tilling and using agrochemicals, farmers let the natural ecosystem do the work. We visit pioneers of this method, including Gabe Brown in the US and Yoshida Toshimichi in Japan. (49 min.)Barakan Discovers Ainu: A New Generation
The Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan. They were once subjected to cultural assimilation policies, and many of their traditions were lost. But now, young Ainu are spearheading a movement to restore their heritage. Peter Barakan meets an artisan who recreates old craft items; performers with a new take on traditional singing and dancing; and a YouTuber who presents language lessons. Barakan looks at the oppression of the past, and the possibilities that exist in the future. (49 min.)Barakan Discovers Jomon: A Sustainable Civilization
Japan's Jomon period was a time of peace that persisted for over 10,000 years. As the world moves towards implementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the sustainable practices of Jomon society are receiving renewed attention. In this program, broadcaster Peter Barakan investigates Jomon history in search of guidance for us in the 21st century. We see buildings and artifacts at one of the largest Jomon ruins in the country, and meet craftspeople inspired by Jomon culture. (49 min.)
Want to Watch More?
NHK World is available on television, for free via over-the-air-antenna on channel 28.2 (most of the Puget Sound region) 15.2 (Centralia) and on cable: XFinity channel 115. Programs range from documentaries, international news, business, technology, and science information, as well as lifestyle, culture and travel programs produced and presented from Japanese and Asian perspectives.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
49th Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, April 12-14, 2024
- City of Seattle, Office of the Mayor
- Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
- Hyogo Business and Cultural Center
- Japan Business Association of Seattle
- Japan-America Society of State of Washington
- Japanese American Citizens League, Seattle Chapter
- Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington
- Seattle Center
- Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association
- City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture
- 4Culture, King County
- ArtsFund Community Accelerator
- Seattle Center Festal: 4Culture and Seattle Center Foundation
- Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
- NHK World Japan
- Global Travel Telecom/Skygo NHK Cosmo Media
- Renewal by Andersen
- Kobo at Higo
- Doskoi Catering
- Egg Roll Hut
- Setsuko’s Pastry
- Tokara Confectionery
- Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai, Seattle Chapter
- Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association
- Chanoyu Seattle Omotesenke-ryu
- Chiyogami Ningyo by Kuniko Mancini
- Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
- East-West Chanoyu Center
- Films and Lecture
- Food Court
- Fujima Dance/Music Ensemble
- Gift Shop
- Hasu-Seizo
- Hyogo Business and Cultural Center
- Ikebana International, Chapter 19
- Japan Business Association of Seattle
- Japan-America Society of the State of Washington
- Japan in the Schools by JASSW
- Japanese American Citizens League, Puyallup Valley
- Japanese American Citizens League, Seattle Chapter
- Japanese Cultural and Community Center of WA
- Japanese Dance World
- Kagoshima Club of Seattle
- Kamishibai by JCCCW
- Keiro Northwest
- Kid’s Korner
- Kimono Yukata Dress Up hosted by SKSCA
- Kobe Trade and Information Office
- Lynn Miyauchi, Furoshiki Video, courtesy CGoJiS
- Meito Shodo Kenkyu Kai
- Miyagi Kai
- Musokai Iaido Club
- NHK World Japan VOD
- North American Post Publishing/Soy Source
- Okinawa Kenjin Club of Washington State
- Okinawa Kenjinkai Chijinshuu
- Okinawa Urasoe City Chijinshuu Taiko Chair Norimitsu Hokama, Instructors Ryusei Hokama and Takumi Kinjo
- Okinawan Traditional Sanshin Master, Minori Sensei
- Omoide by Dee Goto
- PNW JET Alumni Association
- PN Kendo Federation
- P.A.P.E.R.
- Rain City Sumo
- RJE Legends, represented by JBAS
- Saganishiki by Jan Paul
- Sake Tasting
- School Visits
- Seattle Competitive Karuta Club
- Seattle Dojo Judo
- Seattle Fukushima Club
- Seattle Go Center
- Seattle Hiroshima Club
- Seattle Japanese Garden
- Seattle Japanese Language School
- Seattle Kishu Club (Wakayama)
- Seattle Kokon Taiko
- Seattle Seido Karate
- Seattle-Tacoma Fukuoka Kenjinkai
- Shamten hosted by JBAS
- Shintokan Dojo
- The School of Taiko
- Tobe Daiko
- Token Konno Exhibit
- Tsukamaki by Gunnar Goerlitz
- UV Performing Arts
- Volunteers
- Yamnuska Mountain Tours
