by Kelly Leem, staff reporter
When the cherry blossoms are blooming, spring is just around the corner. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is celebrated in Japan. America decided to bring this festival to the Brooklyn botanical Garden in Brooklyn, New York.
Sakura Matsuri was a 2 day event that invited people of all ages to participate in fun activities such as drawing manga (a drawn comic) and posing for cosplay (an american term for “costume play”. In a nutshell, it’s basically dressing up as your favorite characters and displaying it for all to see.
Cosplay seemed to be everywhere as people took pictures and walked through the gardens. The most popular cosplays seemed to be lolitas, a popular clothing style in Japan that recently became popular in the United States. Although they didn’t dress up as a character, their cosplay seemed to attract the stares of many people who attended the event.
Manga, another popular trend originating from Japan, seemed to attract a lot of people. Taking place in the Osborne Gardens, a lot of workshops related to the creation of manga took place, allowing children ages 6 and up to draw their own manga. Both cosplay and Manga were two huge events that attracted a lot of people. Babies were even cosplaying as mini-me’s of various characters.
“The cosplay’s in Sakura Matsuri was overall a showcase of creative cosplays and I found that they looked pretty,” Angel Lee.
At the end of Sakura Matsuri, a cosplay fashion show took place that showcased many of the hand made (not bought) cosplays. Some featured cosplays included Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, Edward Elric from the famous anime, Full Metal Alchemist, and Zaptos and Moltres from Pokemon.
“I liked the Five Nights At Freddy’s Foxy cosplay. It was cool and well made. Not to mention, it’s a popular game, so it caught the attention of a lot of people,” says Stephen Lam.
Sakura Matsuri wasn’t all about the cosplay. It had traditional Japanese ceremonies that many people lined up to attend to. Many people lined up in the gardens to view the presented bonsai’s, trees and plants that are grown in containers to create a representation of nature’s beauty, and the Sogetsu Ikebana exhibit, the presentation of Japanese flower arrangements, and to view the peaceful Japanese gardens of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. In the auditorium, seats quickly became full to view the Sohenryu-Style tea ceremony. The wide yards were filled with people with cameras to record the graceful dancers that demonstrated the elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance, the traditional Minbu dances, and the Awa Odori parade, a well known traditional dance in Japan.
The large crowds of Sakura Matsuri enjoyed the traditional environment, but they also seemed to enjoy the interesting products showcased by different vendors in the Japanese market.
The following vendors:
-Minamoto Kitchoan Wagashi Shop: sold japanese treats and confections
-Royce’s Chocolate Shop: sold chocolate and maccha (finely milled green tea) creations from Japan
-Sakura Creations: sold graphic tee’s
-Tenugul Wraps: sold cotton clothes made from Wuhao Tenugui Art.
-Ito En Fine Teas: sold japanese green teas.
-J-fashion Accessories: sold cute ornaments from Un-Re designs
-Tabi socks, Ninja Boots, and Wooden Geta shoes: sold Japanese footwear from Greentea designs
-Community Bookstore Sakura Shop: sold japanese books
-Japanese Wall scrolls: sold brush paintings from Greentea designs
-Vintage Kimonos: sold japanese fashion from Yokodana Designs.
Although they were expensive, many people enjoyed the new goodies they had bought. Each vendor had something for the interests of each person. “ I liked how each vendor had something for everything. I didn’t buy anything, but I wish I did since all of them looked like they were of good quality,” Keith Loh.
The Sakura Matsuri was a first experience for many people. But the events, market, and the beautiful cherry blossoms truly made it worth to go to. Along with the cherry blossoms and the stroll through the beautiful gardens, the overall atmosphere of Sakura Matsuri was lively and flowery.