The annual Torrance Bunka-Sai is a wonderful opportunity to experience many Japanese cultural performances, exhibits, demonstrations, food and merchandise.

This Japanese cultural festival will be held at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, from 11 am to 5 pm.  In addition to cultural activities, there will be food for sale (teriyaki plates, curry, yakisoba, shaved ice, Okinawa dangos) and an Asian-themed craft fair with over 20 vendors (kimonos, jewelry, Japanese themed clothing and accessories, etc.).  Enjoy free stage performers of dance, music, tea ceremony, and martial arts and exhibits and demonstrations of shodo (calligraphy), Ikenobo flower arrangement, bonsai, and art. Each day’s events will open and close to the thunder and excitement of taiko drums.  Admission and parking are free to the 47th annual event which offers attendees an opportunity to experience a little bit of Japan at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center,

The classical dance group Wakahisa Kai, under the instruction of Wakayagi Hisame, will feature excerpts from four classical dances:  Juo No Mai (Yamatogaku); Kishi No Yanagi (Nagauta); Yashiki Musume (Tokiwazu); and Hakata Obi (Wakayagi Kiyoka).  Saturday, 2:30 pm.  Indoor stage.

 Also performing will be the Japanese classical dance group Mai No Kai led by instructor Bando Hiromiya who will present her youngest students ages 3, 5, and 7.  Sunday, 12:55 pm.  Indoor stage.

 Bando Hidesomi will present a short lecture on Japanese dance props—the “omen,” or mask; the “oogi,” or fan; and the “tenugui,” or towel.  Sunday, 1:30 pm.  Assembly Room.

 A kimono vendor will sell kimono and assorted accessories in the Toyota Meeting Hall on both Saturday and Sunday.

 Learn about Japanese music through presentations by Matsutoyo Kai Folk Music; Shawn Schroeder on the shakuhachi; koto by Yuki Yasuda of L.A. Koto Ensemble and by Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory; and classical Japanese percussion instruments by Fuji Japanese Music led by Katada Kimisen.  Martial arts demonstrations include judo, kendo, karate, and naginata.  Soothe the soul by observing a traditional tea ceremony and try your hand at Japanese calligraphy.  Come alive to the drums of four taiko performances:  L.A. Miyake Kai and Hachijo Aikoukai;  Taiko Effect; Asano Youth; and the thrilling finale by Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI).  All this and more at the Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center (next to the James Armstrong Theatre). Proceeds benefit the student exchange program of the Torrance Sister City Association (TSCA), which, in 2023, will celebrate its 50-year friendship with the City of Kashiwa in Japan.  Visit TSCA’s website, torrancesistercity.org (under Bunka-Sai) and learn about the anime contest open to middle and high school students. Winners will be announced at the Bunka-Sai on Saturday.