Ayaka Hirahara, Takehiro Ueyama, Futago Onikenbai to Perform at US Cherry Blossom Festival

Singer Ayaka Hirahara, choreographer Takehiro Ueyama, and the traditional dance group Futago Onikenbai will perform at the National Cherry Blossom Festival's opening ceremony in Washington D.C. The Japan Foundation is supporting their participation.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for March 21 at DAR Constitution Hall. It will be streamed live on YouTube. The program includes a performance by Hirahara, known for her hit version of 'Jupiter,' a piece choreographed by Ueyama, and a dance by Futago Onikenbai, a UNESCO-recognized 'Furyu Odori' tradition from Iwate Prefecture.

Futago Onikenbai will also hold a separate performance on March 19 at The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Ayaka Hirahara will give a solo concert on March 20 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.

All three events require advance registration but are free to attend. The opening ceremony has an additional $5 registration fee.

Ayaka Hirahara debuted in 2003. She sang the national anthem at the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. Her latest single is the theme song for the PASONA NATUREVERSE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Takehiro Ueyama studied dance at The Juilliard School and founded TAKE Dance in 2005.

Futago Onikenbai is a folk performing arts group preserving a tradition with over 1,200 years of history. The group is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Event Details

Opening Ceremony: March 21, 5:00 PM EDT at DAR Constitution Hall. Registration. YouTube Live stream.

Futago Onikenbai Performance: March 19, 6:00 PM EDT at The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Registration.

Ayaka Hirahara Concert: March 20, 7:00 PM EDT at Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Registration via Eventbrite.

Source: PR Times via 国際交流基金