A Night of Blossoming Brilliance: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
by CeCe Cogar
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Washington, DC, came alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Opening Ceremony, a dazzling kickoff to one of the world’s most beloved celebrations of spring. Held at the historic Warner Theatre, this one-night-only spectacle marked the 113th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the United States in 1912, an enduring symbol of friendship between the two nations. Co-presented with the Japan Foundation, the event blended tradition and innovation, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of performers whose artistry captivated the sold-out audience and set the tone for the festival’s three-week run, from March 20 to April 13.
Under the soft glow of the theater’s chandeliers, attendees—many clad in shades of pink and floral accents—settled in for an evening that promised to transcend borders and generations. The ceremony, also livestreamed to a global audience via the festival’s YouTube channel, delivered on that promise with a lineup that fused Japanese heritage with contemporary flair. From puppetry to tap dance, soulful melodies to thunderous taiko beats, the performers brought the spirit of the cherry blossoms to life in a way that left the crowd buzzing with excitement.
The Performers: A Dynamic Progression
The night’s performers unfolded in a carefully curated order—Kazunori Kumagai, Ka-Na, Seiwa Bunraku, and Maui Taiko—building from intimate innovation to communal thunder.
Kazunori Kumagai: Tapping Into a New Frontier
Kazunori Kumagai and Bassist
The evening began with a performance by Kazunori Kumagai, a tap dance virtuoso whose boundary-pushing artistry has earned him global acclaim. Hailed as a “true tap artist” by The New York Times and a recipient of the prestigious Bessie Award, Kumagai began tapping at 15 in Japan before moving to the US at 19. Now based in New York and Japan, he’s known for blending tap with diverse influences, including his work at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony where he performed, choreographed, and composed the music.
Kazunori Kumagai
Ka-Na (Kana Uemura): A Voice That Bridges Worlds
Ka-Na (Kana Uemura)
Next up was Ka-Na, the stage name of Kana Uemura, a gold record-selling Japanese singer-songwriter whose soulful voice has enchanted audiences from Tokyo to New York. Celebrating her 20th anniversary in the music industry in 2025, Ka-Na took the stage with her guitar in hand, her presence radiating warmth and confidence. Having performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, she brought a seasoned artistry to the ceremony, blending J-pop sensibilities with folk-inspired melodies.
She is best known for her song "Fairy of the Bathroom", an acoustic ballad about her grandmother, which in 2010 became a #1 hit. Ka-Na has enjoyed much success over the years. She credits Julie Andrews' performance in "The Sound of Music" as her inspiration to write, sing, and play music. Ka-Na’s performance was a bridge between cultures, her voice a thread weaving Japan and the US closer together.
Seiwa Bunraku: A Puppetry Legacy Takes the Stage
A Seiwa Bunraku Puppet
The evening began with a mesmerizing performance by Seiwa Bunraku, the only remaining traditional puppetry troupe from Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. With a history stretching back 170 years to the Edo period, this group of artisans brought their intricate craft to Washington, DC, for its first international appearance at the festival. Their performance featured a highlight from “Chopper, Embarking from the Winter Sakura,” a play originally crafted in collaboration with the popular manga One Piece as part of a post-earthquake reconstruction effort in Kumamoto. Adapted for the intimate scale of the Warner Theatre, the piece showcased the troupe’s signature three-puppeteer technique, where each life-sized puppet—dressed in elaborate costumes—was animated with uncanny precision by a trio of black-clad masters.
Chopper the Blue-Nosed Reindeer
The audience sat in rapt silence as the puppets moved with an almost human grace, their wooden limbs swaying like cherry branches in the breeze. A standout moment came when the character Chopper, a reindeer-like figure from One Piece, embarked on a symbolic journey beneath a cascade of pink petals, a nod to the blossoms that inspired the festival. Post-show chatter on X praised the “haunting beauty” of the performance, with one user noting, “Seiwa Bunraku turned puppets into poetry—never seen anything like it!” The troupe’s appearance was a poignant reminder of resilience, mirroring the cherry trees’ own ability to bloom anew each spring.
Maui Taiko: The Pulse of Tradition
Maui Taiko Performers
The energy in the Warner Theatre surged as Maui Taiko took the stage. Known for their electrifying performances and educational outreach, this group transformed the theater into a pulsating sea of rhythm. Taiko, with its roots in ancient Japanese religious ceremonies and festivals, is as much a physical spectacle as it is a sonic one, and Maui Taiko delivered both in spades. Their mission is to entertain, educate, and preserve Japanese taiko drumming heritage.
Maui Taiko Performers
Dressed in vibrant happi coats, the drummers wielded their bachi (sticks) with precision and power, striking massive drums that reverberated through the hall. Their set began with “Fukushima Ondo” which honors ancestors, followed by “Shiki No Uta (Song of the Seasons)” and ended with "Tales of a Balloon". Their performance was a visceral celebration of heritage, proving that tradition can thrive in bold, contemporary forms.
Maui Taiko uses eighteen drums crafted from recycled wine barrels and helps temples re-skin old taiko drums to preserve them. Maui Taiko is more than a performing group; they are custodians of a rich cultural heritage.
Co-Hosts and Speakers: Voices of Unity
The evening was guided by co-hosts whose presence underscored the festival’s themes of cultural exchange and community. Diana Mayhew, President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., took the stage with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm. A veteran leader of the festival, this year marks 25 years, Mayhew’s opening remarks highlighted the event’s role as “a celebration of spring, friendship, and the power of shared traditions.” Her energy was infectious, setting a welcoming tone for the night.
Kiberly Bassett, DC Secretary, represented Mayor Muriel Bowser at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony. On behalf of the mayor, she welcomed those in attendance who were local and also those from around the world. Secretary Bassett introduced Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada during the event at the Warner Theatre.
Dynamic Duo: Yoshi Amao and Victoria Sanchez Illuminate the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
Yoshi Amao and Victoria Sanchez have co-hosted the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony since 2023, bringing their unique backgrounds and chemistry to the stage. Amao's deep connection to Japanese culture and Sanchez's expertise in communication create a harmonious blend that resonates with the diverse festival audience.
Their collaboration not only enhances the celebration but also embodies the festival's spirit of unity and cultural exchange. As they continue to co-host, Amao and Sanchez exemplify the enduring bond between two cultures, making the National Cherry Blossom Festival a memorable experience for all attendees
Co-Hosts Victoria Sanchez and Yoshi Amao
Yoshi Amao: The Samurai Storyteller
Born in Osaka and raised in Nara, Japan, Yoshi Amao is a multifaceted performer renowned for his work as an actor, comedian, emcee, and samurai martial artist. His journey into the arts began during his studies at Osaka City University, where he delved into acting and traditional Japanese dance. After a stint in computer sales and as a radio personality in Osaka, Amao moved to New York City to further pursue his passion.
Victoria Sanchez: The Emmy-Winning Journalist
Victoria Sanchez is an Emmy award-winning journalist currently serving as a news anchor and health reporter for 7News at 4pm and is the health and wellness reporter. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, she also holds a master's degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
She works to be an impartial journalist, bringing humanity to the often-faceless stories that fill up social media feeds.
A Springtime Triumph
As the Warner Theatre emptied into the DC evening, the air hummed with anticipation for the festival ahead. The Opening Ceremony left an indelible mark—a vibrant launch to a festival of parades, kites, and petal-chasing. It was an evening of art, unity, and the fleeting beauty of spring, encapsulated by an X user’s words: “DC bloomed tonight, and I’m still buzzing.” With the livestream archived online, its magic lingers, a gift as enduring as the cherry trees themselves.
Blossoms of Friendship: The History of Washington, DC's Cherry Trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Each spring, Washington, DC transforms into a canvas of pink and white as cherry blossoms envelop the city, symbolizing renewal and the enduring bond between the United States and Japan. This annual spectacle, celebrated through the National Cherry Blossom Festival, has a rich history rooted in international friendship and cultural exchange.
Trials and Triumphs
The initial shipment of 2,000 trees arrived in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 1910. However, upon inspection, they were found to be infested with insects and nematodes, posing a threat to local agriculture. Consequently, President William Howard Taft ordered their destruction to protect native flora. Undeterred, the Japanese government dispatched a second, meticulously prepared shipment of 3,020 trees, comprising twelve varieties, which arrived on March 26, 1912.
On March 27, 1912, First Lady Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two saplings on the north bank of the Tidal Basin, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition. These initial plantings laid the foundation for the flourishing groves that now grace the capital.
Evolution of the Festival
The inaugural celebration of the cherry blossoms occurred in 1927 when American schoolchildren reenacted the 1912 planting, an event recognized as the first D.C. cherry blossom festival. By 1934, the District of Columbia Commissioners sponsored a three-day celebration, and in 1935, it officially became a national annual event, drawing visitors from across the country.
A Living Symbol of International Friendship
Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival spans four weeks, welcoming over 1.5 million people to enjoy diverse programming that promotes traditional and contemporary arts, culture, and community spirit. The festival commemorates the 1912 gift and celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.
