SakuraFest 2026
SakuraFest brings the entire JCCC to life with a celebration of spring, creativity, and community. Throughout the festival, visitors can explore hands-on workshops, art experiences throughout the building, and special events inspired by the beauty of cherry blossom season. Relax under the cherry blossoms with our Hanami experience in the parking lot, and also enjoy film nights. Hanami Explained
Workshops include outdoor field recording sessions, a writing circle, and drawing sessions—inviting participants to slow down, create, and connect with the season.
Visitors can also experience Omote Ura, the spring artwork currently on view in Heritage Hall & Court, presented as part of the JCCC’s seasonal programming and on display throughout SakuraFest until May 9th.
The festival also features the Bazaar, reimagined as a celebration of Children’s Day (May 5th), with an expanded kids’ area and family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. The Sakura Gala returns as a special evening celebration bringing the community together.
Celebrate spring through art, culture, and community at the JCCC. 🌸
Schedule of Events:
Tuesday April 28
- Japan Earthquake Relief Fund Supporter Appreciation Event
Wednesday April 29
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento on sale in person or online April 29
- 7pm - 8:30pm SakuraFest workshop: Intro to Field Recording and Experimental Sound Day 1
Thursday April 30
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento* on sale in person or online April 30
- 7pm SakuraFest film: OUR LITTLE SISTER | 海街 diary
*Bundle your bento with a film ticket to receive a discount. Purchase using the film link above. Only applicable for bento on the day of the film.
Saturday May 2
- 12pm - 4pm Bazaar 2026
Sunday May 3
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento on sale in person or online May 3
- 7pm - 8:30pm SakuraFest workshop: Intro to Field Recording and Experimental Sound Day 2
Monday May 4
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento on sale in person or online May 4
Tuesday May 5
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento* on sale in person or online May 5
- 7pm SakuraFest film: 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND | 秒速5センチメートル
*Bundle your bento with a film ticket to receive a discount. Purchase using the film link above. Only applicable for bento on the day of the film.
Wednesday May 6
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento on sale in person or online May 6
- 7pm - 8:30pm SakuraFest workshop: Intuitive Drawing w/ Yuka Yamaguchi
Thursday May 7
- 5:30pm - 8pm Hanami Viewing
- 5:30pm - 7pm Bento on sale in person or online May 7
- 7pm - 8:30pm SakuraFest workshop: Portraits of Community Care
Saturday May 9
- 6pm - 10pm Sakura Gala 2026 honouring Bruce Kuwabara
What is Hanami?
Guests will be seated on tarps or benches beneath the trees, celebrating the cherry blossoms together with friends, family, and community. Tea will be served and bento boxes will be available for purchase.
Admission is free and reserved for JCCC members. Food sales will end at 7:00PM, but SakuraFest continues into the night with film screenings and workshops. Join us in welcoming spring together!