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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.
2026 PERFORMERS
FUTAGO ONIKENBAI
Futago Onikenbai performs the centuries-old Buddhist art originally known as Nenbutsu Kenbai dating back more than 1,200 years, Oni Kenbai was introduced by mountain ascetic monks and later carried on by farming communities as a prayer for protection, health, and abundant harvests. Though often translated as “Demon Sword Dance,” the masked performers represent manifestations of Buddhist deities as symbols of guidance and compassion rather than fear. This dynamic art form combines chanting Buddhist prayers with rhythmic sword movements, fans, bare-hand choreography, and acrobatic sequences. While the original Oni Kenbai troupe in Kitakami is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, today there are 13 affiliated groups preserving the tradition. This troupe, celebrating its 70th anniversary, continues to train rigorously to ensure the vitality of Oni Kenbai for future generations.
TAKEHIRO UEYAMO AND TAKE DANCE
Bringing a contemporary perspective to the program, internationally recognized choreographer Takehiro Ueyama will present an innovative modern dance work. A native of Tokyo, Ueyama moved to the United States to study at The Juilliard School and later toured internationally for eight years with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. In 2005, he founded TAKE Dance, a company known for its athleticism and evocative fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from his Japanese heritage, nature, and humanity, Ueyama’s choreography explores themes of beauty, resilience, compassion, and the duality of light and darkness. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the S&R Foundation Washington Award, a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, and the 2025 Gross Family Prize.
AYAKA HIRAHARA
Debuting in 2003 with the hit song “Jupiter,” Ayaka Hirahara quickly gained widespread recognition as a singer, earning numerous honors including the Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Award. In addition to her singing career, she has been active in a wide range of fields, including musicals, voice acting, television dramas, and film dubbing. In 2015, she established the Ayaka Hirahara Jupiter Fund to contribute to society and support various initiatives through music. She also performed the national anthem at the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Her musical theater credits include Love Never Dies, Beautiful, Mary Poppins, Fist of the North Star: Hokuto no Ken, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Her latest single serves as the theme song for the Expo 2025 Osaka– Kansai pavilion “PASONA NATUREVERSE,” titled “Thank You, Life / To the Future of 8 Billion.” Since her debut, she has released 35 singles, 12 digital singles, and 29 albums—including cover albums and best-of compilations—as well as 15 DVDs and 7 Blu-ray titles. A Blu-ray recording of the final performance of the The Swinging Classics! concert tour, co-directed with Masataka Matsutoya, is currently on sale. A full orchestral album is scheduled for release in fall 2026, and a concert tour with a full orchestra has also been announced.
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
