Record Crowd At Sakura Matsuri

IMAGES: The Taiko drummers and Battodo Japanese sword demonstrators were two of the most popular acts at the Sakura Matsuri festival at the Cowra Japanese Garden on Saturday.

The Cowra Japanese Garden’s Sakura Matsuri festival attracted a record crowd last Saturday, with 3000 people flocking through the gates to enjoy the festivities.

It was the first time since 2019 that annual festival, which celebrates Cherry Blossom trees coming into bloom, has taken place, and the crowd figure is believed to be the highest ever.

The warm and sunny weather no doubt helped with the impressive crowd figure, with the crowd enjoying the many performances and activities on offer, on the grass under the sun.

The Bonsho Stage was where the main performances happened, with traditional Japanese sword displays, drummers, dancers and singers entertaining the crowds throughout the day.

The Koi Arena, set up as an undercover stage, featured martial arts displays from Kumai-Ryu Martial Arts System, as well as sumo wrestling and storytelling, which proved hugely popular.

Other events on the day included origami workshops and displays, market stalls, a pop-up photo booth for dressing up in traditional Japanese clothing, Kimono and Kyudo (archery) demonstrations, and bonsai workshops.

Japanese Garden Manager Margaret Davidson said the day was a huge success, with many travelling from out of town to attend.

“We had lots of travellers from Canberra and Sydney come for it, and our story teller came from Melbourne,” she said.

“The Ambassador for Japan also came, as well as the Consul-Generals of Japan from Sydney and Melbourne.”

“They all love Cowra and agree that Cowra has a great friendship and relationship with Japan.”

Ms Davidson thanked her fellow staff for all of their efforts on making the festival as great as it was, as well as the professionalism of the performers on the day.

She said the huge attendance would provide the Japanese Garden with a great revenue boost after two years of Covid restrictions.

IMAGE: Sumo wrestlers take to the floor at Koi Arena.