2023 Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival Souvenir Booklet

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Asian Dance and Music The performing arts of Japan returns to the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival during a presentation of dance and music entitled "Sakura Beauty and Spirit." The sakura, or cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan and represents a springtime sense of renewal and optimism. Dances and choreography are by Shizuno Nasu while Annu Shoko Shinoya, who teaches and performs piano on the Big Island, coordinates participating local musicians and artists. Shizuno Nasu Dance Institute of Japan is composed of eight dancers, featuring special Buddhist guest Chief Priest Koshin Nagamune. A solo vocalist, he is from Tendai Shomyo Honjoin Tendai-Shu Temple and has performed in many European countries and throughout Japan. On lyre, is Miyuki Ikesue, who has appeared in concert in Japan, Europe and the US. On the stage from Hawaii Island is Okinawa Kobudo Taiko with Troy Sakihara; vocalist Lisa Katherine Taylor, bamboo flutist Manuel Roberto and pianist Annu Shoko Shinoya. Featured painting is by Susumu Sakaguchi. Kona Hongwanji Bliddl& Temple The Kona Hongwanji Temple annually provides a "hands-on" demonstration of mochi tsuki (mochi pounding) during the festival and offers attendees complimentary mochi treats made from the freshly pounded mochi. The treats are flavored with either red bean paste (anko), peanut butter or a soybean powder with sugar (kinako). Mochi making is a multi -day process. Rice must be washed and rinsed, all wooden equipment soaked, the rice cooked and then pounded. Mochi is believed to symbolize unity and strength because of its sticky consistency. Since mochi rice is pounded, it lasts much longer than ordinary cooked rice and is therefore associated with longevity. , • The Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is located in Kealakekua and celebrated 125 years in 2022. The Temple aspires to be the leading Buddhist center for West Hawaii by providing: • spiritual guidance and support for Living in the 21st century • propagation programs and activities appealing to people of all ages and ethnicities • a resource center for Pure Land/jodo Shin Buddhism.