50th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (June 22-23, 2024)

On June 22 and 23, the 50th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, co-sponsored by the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and the Sakura Foundation, was held at Sakura Square in Denver.

Mr. Glenn Asakawa presided over the opening ceremony. Ms. Shigaya, Executive Director of Sakura Foundation, and Mr. Randy Matsushima, Board President of the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, gave remarks. The Consulate was invited and Consul-General Mikami also gave short remarks.

During the Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Square accommodated 60 booths, with a variety of organizations, activities, and Japanese food represented, including the Sakura Foundation, Simpson United Methodist Church, Denver-Takayama Sister City Committee, Japan America Society of Colorado, Japanese sake and beverages, Japanese anime, as well as many others. The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver also set up a Japan booth jointly with JETAA, and many people visited the booth.

Many citizens visited the festival. In addition, the Tri-State/ Denver Buddhist Temple was opened to visitors, ikebana displays were held in the underground parking lot, and a special stage featured Japanese drums performances, dancing, and a karaoke contest. On the second floor of Sakura Square, the Colorado Nikkeijin Kai displayed a photo panel exhibition of the history of the Nikkeijin in Colorado.