Sakura Matsuri

Spent the afternoon at Sakura Matsuri, DC’s Japanese Street Festival hosted by the Japan-America Society. Spanning several blocks, it was packed with food, art, music, and martial arts. Highlights included powerful taiko drumming by The Mark H Taiko School—featuring a close friend—and a spirited USA Sumo demo with champions Ichi and Hiroki. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, full of cultural exchange and a strong sense of community.