Bunka-Sai 50th Annual Japanese Cultural Festival

Bunka-Sai is our annual Japanese cultural festival and major fundraiser for the student cultural exchange program. This two-day event is free to the public and features authentic presentations of dance, vocal and instrumental music, flower arranging, bonsai, tea ceremony, calligraphy, martial arts, story reading, and games for kids. Free hands-on demos of origami and calligraphy, and lectures on bonsai and ikebana by local experts.

Enjoy tasty plate lunches, sweets, arts and craft items, cultural performances, dance, music, martial arts, exhibitions, demonstrations.

Schedule of Events

11:10 am - 11:35am: Taiko: ASANO TAIKO US Youth
11:45 am - 12:10pm: Culture: Nishiyamato Academy Students (Rakugo and Kendama)
12:20 pm - 12:50pm: Music: Matsutoyo Kai (Japanese Folk Singing)
1:00 pm - 1:30pm: Kimono: Nadeshiko Kai (Japanese Culture and Traditions)
1:40 pm - 2:10pm: Calligraphy: Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai (Ink brush writing)
2:20 pm - 2:35pm: Dance: Rin No Kai (Japanese traditional dance)
2:35 pm - 2:50pm: Dance: Wakahisa Kai (Japanese traditional dance)
3:00 pm - 3:30pm: Martial Arts: Torrance Naginata Dojo
3:40 pm-4:10pm: Music: Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory
4:20 pm - 5:00pm: Taiko: ASANO TAIKO US and Los Angeles Taiko Institute Groups
11:30 am - 12:00pm: Kamishibai: Japanese story reading for children
12:30 pm - 1:30pm: Bonsai: Horticulture demonstration by Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai
1:45 pm - 2:15pm: Kamishibai: Japanese story reading for children
2:30 pm - 3:30pm: Bonsai: Horticulture demonstration by Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai
3:45 pm-4:15pm: Kamishibai: Japanese story reading for children
12:00 pm - to 3:00pm: Hands-on Japanese calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai
12:00 pm - to 4:00pm: Hands-on origami: Peninsula Paper Folders - Pam - Miike and Joy Fujita