Annual Festival To Spotlight Tuscaloosa's Bonds With Japanese Sister City

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The 39th annual Sakura Festival is set for Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Snow Hinton Park Pavilion in Tuscaloosa.

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The free festival will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Japan, and will be co-hosted by Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International and the Capstone International Center.

The event honors the arrival of spring and cherry blossom season, with the theme for the 2025 Sakura Festival announces as “Tomo ni hagukumu” (共に育む) — translating to “harmony."

The festival will also highlight the connection between the Tuscaloosa community and its sister city, Narashino, Japan.

The following activities and offerings will be featured:

• A visit by a representative from the Consulate General of Japan
• A performance by the Suzuki Violinist Group
• Traditional Japanese Papermaking by the UA Book Arts program
• A cosplay contest with prizes from Japan
• Origami and Face Painting
• Traditional Japanese Festival Activities
• A tea ceremony demonstration
• Kite making and name writing in Japanese
• The Annual Sakura Haiku Contest, with winners announced during the event.

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