Metro
The Opening Ceremony, co-presented with the Japan Foundation, celebrates the 115th anniversary of the gift of trees and is a tribute to the longstanding relationship between Japan and the United States. The event is a unique cultural experience through the performing arts that binds the two countries in friendship.
Tickets are SOLD OUT. We have limited STANDBY TICKETS the day of the event. Please line up at 5PM on C street. We highly encourage everyone to livestream on the Festival’s YouTube Channel: @CherryBlossFest.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony 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.
The event features performances from world-renowned artists connected to both the US and Japan, showcasing the depth and diversity of Japanese arts, including breathtaking traditional sword dances by Futago Onikenbai; pop music by award-winning singer Ayaka Hirahara, and modern dance choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Opening Ceremony is co-presented with The Japan Foundation. The Host Sponsor is The Daughters of the American Revolution. The Supporting Sponsors are Daiichi Sankyo, JCAW, Japan National Tourism Organization, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. The Contributing Sponsors are EventEQ, MUFG Bank, Ltd. The Media Partners are 7 News & 24/7 News WJLA. Special thanks to the Embassy of Japan, The Webster Group – Global Event Management.
2027 PERFORMERS
Iwami Kagura
Fast, exciting, colorful and dynamic, Iwami Kagura is an unforgettable kind of masked traditional performance art unlike anything you have seen before. The art has been thrilling local people for decades and is now regularly performed at the famous Gion Festival in Kyoto. Iwami Kagura is performed all-year-round in the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture . Shimane Prefecture is best reached from Tokyo by plane. There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Izumo Airport and Hagi-Iwami Airport. From Izumo Airport, take the JR Sanin Line or drive to the western part of Shimane Prefecture. From Osaka, there are also direct flights to Izumo Airport. If you are traveling on the shinkansen, go from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station and take the Isaribi Highway Bus to Hamada Station.
NAOYA OGURA BAND
Led by New York–based trumpeter, composer, and arranger Naoya Ogura, the Naoya Ogura Band brings together six accomplished Japanese jazz musicians active on the New York scene. Formed in 2022 for the first-ever Japan Parade in New York City, the band performs jazz interpretations of beloved Japanese melodies, from traditional songs to 90s pop hits and anime themes. Through Naoya's arrangements they become music that feels at once nostalgic and fresh. The band has appeared at the Japan Parade every year since. It has also performed at the Japanese American Association of New York's 116th and 118th Anniversary Galas and at the 2024 Jazz Concert at the Ambassador's Residence, presented by the Consulate General of Japan in New York, as well as other events and concerts.
Sayo Komada
Sayo Komada is a versatile shamisen player who masters both Tsugaru shamisen and Nagauta shamisen. She began playing Tsugaru shamisen at the age of seven and minyo (Japanese folk songs) at ten. At fifteen, she won first prize at the 9th Tsugaru Shamisen National Championship. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, she was granted the professional name Goshi Komada by the fourth-generation headmaster of Kineya Gosaburo in 2023. Sayo has performed in Japan and internationally, including Peru and France, and has appeared on NHK. Her Red Hot Chili Peppers cover has surpassed 18 million views. Blending traditional Japanese music with contemporary culture, she continues to bring the unique sound of the shamisen to audiences around the world.
2025 OPENING CEREMONY
CO-PRESENTED WITH
2026 SUPPORTING SPONSORS
2025 SPONSORS
2026 media sponsors
2026 Contributing sponsor
special thANKS
- Embassy of Japan
- The Webster Group – Global Event Management
Mobility Access
This event is wheelchair-accessible.
Communication Access
ASL interpretation will be provided.
Service Animals
Service animals are always allowed.
Sensory Considerations
This event typically draws large crowds and can be noisy. If someone in your group has sensory sensitivities, you may wish to bring headphones or earplugs. In addition, there may be the use of a confetti cannon and/or flashing lights.
seating
Accessible seating is available. If you or a member of your party requires specific seating arrangements, please contact rsvp@ncbfdc.org in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Additional Accommodations
For any other accessibility needs, please reach out to ncbf@ncbf.org so we can help ensure a positive experience
