TORRANCE — The Torrance Sister City Association will present the 40th annual Bunka-Sai, a Japanese cultural festival, on Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. (at Madrona Avenue).
The event will feature cultural displays and demonstrations (bonsai, calligraphy, dolls, ikebana, origami, sumi-e, tea ceremony), martial arts (aikido, judo, kendo, naginata), dance, music (koto, shakuhachi, shamisen, taiko), games for children, an arts and crafts boutique, food, and door prizes.
Proceeds will benefit the student cultural exchange program with Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture. Torrance and Kashiwa became sister cities in February 1973.
Free admission and parking. For more information, contact the Torrance Community Services Department, 3031 Torrance Blvd., (310) 618-2930, www.TorranceCA.gov.
Performance Schedule
Saturday, April 21
Emcee: Dr. Dan Fichtner
11:50 a.m.: Koto by Hiroko Masuda with Jim Thompson on shakuhachi
12:30 p.m.: Tea ceremony by Sakiko Monuki
1:10 p.m.: Judo
1:50 p.m.: Naginata
2:30 p.m.: Japanese dance, lecture and demonstration by Mai no Kai
3:10 p.m.: Kendo
3:50 p.m.: Kishin Daiko
Sunday, April 22
Emcee: Tricia Takasugi
11:50 a.m.: Shodo (calligraphy) by Ikuta Kai
12:30 p.m.: Koto by Awaya Kai
1:10 p.m.: Aikido
1:50 p.m.: Kimono dressing demonstration (new)
2:35 p.m.: Japanese dance by Mai no Kai and Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo Kai
3:10 p.m.: Shamisen by Matsutoyo Kai
3:40 p.m.: Mini shamisen lesson (new)
3:50 p.m.: Isami Taiko
Assembly Room
Saturday, April 21
12 p.m.: Ikebana demonstration by Ikenobo Kai (new)
1 p.m.: Bonsai demonstration by Koyu Kai (new)
Sunday, April 22
1 p.m.: Bonsai demonstration by Koyu Kai
(Program subject to change without notice)