TORRANCE — The Torrance Sister City Association will present the 44th annual Bunka-Sai, a Japanese cultural festival, on Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23, from11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. (at Madrona Avenue) in Torrance.
The event will feature food, crafts, entertainment, and cultural displays and demonstrations. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, April 22
Every 30 minutes: Kamishibai, traditional storytelling in English and Japanese
11 a.m.: Koto 7-Star Ensemble
11: 25 a.m.: Kayama Puppets (Torino Plaza)
11:50 a.m.: Tea ceremony by Yuko Kubo from Urasenke School
12:20 p.m.: Anime contest winners announced
12 p.m.: Ikebana lesson by Ikenobo-Kai (Assembly Room)
12:30 p.m.: Classical dance by Fujima Seiyumi-Kai
1:10 p.m.: South Bay judo
1:50 p.m.: Toshiko Okawa will demonstrate obi-tying with models in yukata and formal kimono
2 p.m.: L.A. Taiko Institute, Unit 1 from Asano Taiko
2:30 p.m.: Koto 7-Star Ensemble
3:10 p.m.: Torrance Kendo
4:20 p.m.: L.A. Taiko Institute, Unit 1 from Asano Taiko
Sunday, April 23
Every 30 minute: Kamishibai, traditional storytelling in English and Japanese
11 a.m.: Folk music by Matsutoyo-Kai
11:50 a.m.: Calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai
12 to 5 p.m.: Amezaiku (candy sculpture) by Shinobu “Shan” Ichiyanagi (Torino Plaza)
12:30 p.m.: Koto 7-Star Ensemble
12:45 to 3 p.m.: Hands-on calligraphy demos
1:10 p.m.: Shakuhachi by Shoshi Kanokohata
1:50 p.m.: Classical dance by Fujima Seiyumi-Kai
2 p.m.: USA Wado-ryu Karate-do, Torranc YMCA (Torino Plaza)
2:30 p.m.: Yuki Yasuda Koto Zanmai Ensemble
3 p.m.: Koto 7-Star Ensemble (Torino Plaza)
3:10 p.m.: Torrance Aikido
3:40 p.m.: Classical dance by Nancy Hayata
4:20 p.m.: Taiko Center of L.A.
Proceeds will benefit Torrance’s student cultural exchange program with Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture.
Free admission and parking. For more information, call (310) 618-3930 or visit www.torrancesistercity.org.