The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony, co-presented with The Japan Foundation, is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States.
This unique, one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2023 | 5 – 6:30 PM
WHERE: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
PERFORMANCES:
– Travis Japan: Travis Japan is a formidable 7-member dance and performance pop group from Tokyo. The group has drawn acclaim for its captivating, syncopated dance moves and catchy pop music stylings since appearing on “World of Dance” and “America’s Got Talent.” Highly anticipated debut single “JUST DANCE!” surpassed 10 million video views and launched at No.5 on Billboard Global chart (excluding US), which made the group the first Japanese act to break into the top five with a debut single since the chart’s inception.
– Anna Sato X Toshiyuki Sasaki: Anna Sato, Shimauta singer from Amami Islands, and Toshiyuki Sasaki, drummer, have made their debut as a duo to create a completely original groove and produces the traditional music that is relevant to the present audience.
– Mika Stoltzman called “High-wire jazz marimbist… an amazing, energetic performer ready for major exposure.” (LA Times) has toured in 19 countries and 60 cities around the world.
– PETÆL: Produced by Tanya Gabrielian, the Ryuji Ueno Foundation presents PETÆL. Miray Ito, violin and Isabelle Fromme, cello, two award-winning classical musicians blend their virtuosity with popular Japanese classics in a high-octane performance mixing tradition with genre-breaking fireworks.
HOSTS:
– Veronica Johnson, StormWatch 7 meteorologist
– Yoshi Amao, actor, comedian, and Samurai martial artist
