2012 Japan - U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial Concert on Nov. 2nd,

The 2012 Cherry Blossom Centennial in Los Angeles concluded in Grand Park and in grand fashion November 2.  Two events – the ceremonial unveiling of an engraved stone marker and the “Sakura Centennial Concert” featuring the nearly 20-member Tokyo-based music and performance group Heavenese – brought the year-long commemoration to a memorable and exciting close.
In the new park’s Flag Garden, Consul General Niimi, County Supervisor Gloria Molina and others unveiled the county-commissioned stone marking 24 pink-cloud variety cherry blossom trees now planted there.  Then, on the Performance Lawn, Heavenese turned heads with its striking costumes, samurai-style sword fight, and unique fusion of R&B, Gospel and traditional Japanese music.  The free events were graced by the appearance of members of the L.A. Kimono Nadeshiko Kai and joined by Lolita and Tokyo street fashion hobbyists among almost 450 people.
Both Heavenese and emcee Rome Kanda (“I Survived a Japanese Game Show”) donated their talents to evening, which capped a year of tree plantings, programs, exhibits and cherry blossom festivals throughout southern California and Arizona.  All of these were part of the nationwide celebration of Tokyo’s 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees to Washington, DC and the friendship they so beautifully continue to symbolize.

To read more, please see:  http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/2012_sakura.htm  .