Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday, April 3, 2011, noon to 3:00 p.m.
at the Japanese American Historical Plaza
NW Couch Street and Naito Parkway
Free and open to the public

The Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO) will host Sakura Sunday , April 3, from noon-3pm, held at the Japanese American Historical Plaza. Experience the centuries-old tradition of picnicking, blossom viewing and celebrating the fleeting splendor of spring. This event will now focus on collecting donations for the Oregon Japan Relief Fund at Mercy Corps .

Featuring a performance by Portland Taiko. Special Japanese style bentos will be available for pre-order and to purchase at the event. Download the event flyer and bento pre-order form.
JASO is presenting the First Annual Cherry Blossom Festival this spring in Portland, Oregon. Japan has been celebrating the season and beauty of the delicate pink blossoms for centuries, with picnics under the blossoming trees accompanied by music and dance. Cities across the U.S. have been inspired to carry on the tradition with major celebrations of their own and this year during the month of April, JASO is inaugurating Portland's own Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the beautiful blossoms, the season of spring and the friendship between the United States and Japan, symbolized by the cherry trees along the waterfront side of the Japanese American Historical Plaza—a gift to the City of Portland from the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1989.

This event is sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan in Portland, NW Natural, Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Portland Taiko, Portland Parks and Recreation, Uwajimaya, United Grain Corporation, Vanport International, and Made in Oregon. For more information, please contact JASO at 503-552-8811.