The Sakura Festival will debut at the Sabanci University Turkey this April, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan.
The festival will also kick-off the Make a Promise for the Future Scholarship Program. The fund aims to benefit a selected number of eligible students in need of financial support.
Sabanci University has over a thousand Sakura trees, which is the largest Sakura population in Turkey. The festival, which will be decorated with the flowers from these trees, symbolizes rebirth in Japanese culture.
The University will host several events and a special gala program celebrating Japanese culture which will include Japanese bands Kufuki and Heart Sutra, as well as a performance by DJ Salam.
Throughout the day, origami, ikebana, chado, sushi, and scent workshops, kendo shows and traditional tea ceremonies, will be on offer too. The festival will also screen the film The Boy and The Heron, with which the widely acclaimed cinematic master Hayao Miyazaki launched his comeback to cinema after a decade hiatus.
During the evening Gala, there will be a very special performance by traditional Japanese musicians WA League, followed by a performance from composer and songwriter Cem Adrian – a contemporary Japanese artist.
All proceeds from the Gala event will be donated to Sabancı University’s Make a Promise for the Future Scholarship Program.
Notes from the Editor: Tickets for the Sakura Festival Gala Event are available here.
