The Sakura Stage

Daily at 9:15am

Begin your day with a moment of tranquillity and beauty through the Japanese Tea Ceremony. A serene ritual that embodies grace, harmony, and tradition.

Led by renowned tea master Tae Gessner, this intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the refined art of tea preparation, performed with quiet precision and deep cultural reverence. Every movement is intentional, every gesture meaningful, reflecting the centuries’ old philosophy of mindfulness and seasonal appreciation.

Settle into the peaceful atmosphere and allow yourself to be transported by the calm, deliberate rhythm of this timeless ceremony.

Weekends at 10:15am

Join us at the Sakura Stage as YuNiOn! unleashes the explosive energy of Taiko drumming. A powerful fusion of rhythm, movement, and tradition that you’ll feel in your chest long after the final beat.

With every strike of the drum, this electrifying performance commands attention, blending ancient Japanese rhythms with contemporary flair. It’s bold, it’s breathtaking, and it’s an unmissable moment of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Be there when the drums begin and let the rhythm move you.

Weekends at 11:30am and 1:45pm

Get ready for a high-energy collision of cultures and sound as George & Noriko take the stage!

This dynamic duo delivers an electrifying blend of gritty Japanese folk and foot stomping blues. With raw vocals, lightning-fast shamisen playing, and infectious stage presence, their performance is bold, soulful, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

It’s East meets West with a wild twist and it's guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your spirit soaring.

Weekdays at 10am | Saturdays and Sundays at 2:45pm

Get ready to be dazzled by the vibrant energy and infectious joy of Shiho, Japan’s very own queen of hula hooping. Prepare to be invited to join her in an interactive workshop at the stage just after her performance.

Get set for sparkle, smiles, and serious skills as Shiho Sparkle Hooper lights up the stage with her high energy hula hoop performance!

Known as the queen of hula hooping, Shiho brings a whirlwind of colour, rhythm, and unstoppable joy. Her dazzling show is packed with tricks, flair, and infectious fun that’s perfect for all ages.

But the magic doesn’t stop there, stick around after the show and jump into the action yourself with an interactive workshop led by Shiho! Whether you're a beginner or just want to give it a spin, this is your chance to join the fun and feel the sparkle.

Monday 18 August |Tuesday 19 August |Thursday 21 August and Friday 22 August at 11:45am

Step into a world of movement, mystery, and elegance as Helwa Bellydance brings a bold new twist to tradition with their Neo Japanese Fusion Dance.

This captivating performance weaves together the fluid grace of belly dance with the striking visual beauty of Japanese silk fan artistry, creating a truly hypnotic experience that’s both modern and timeless.

Expect vibrant costuming, enchanting rhythms, and a performance that will leave you absolutely spellbound.

Monday 18 August at 1:25pm and 3:30pm | Friday 22 August at 12:15pm

Lose yourself in the nostalgic elegance of the Reiko Azuma Trio, affectionately known as the Tokyo Boho Trio, where every note is a story, and every performance a journey through time.

With their signature blend of Japanese Showa Retro, smooth jazz, and an eclectic mix of other genres, this refined trio brings a soulful charm and stylish flair that captivates from the very first chord. Rich in atmosphere and full of emotion, their music evokes vintage Tokyo with a contemporary twist.

It’s timeless. It’s transportive. It’s not to be missed.

Monday 18 August at 10:45am | Tuesday 19 August and Thursday 21 at 12:20pm | Friday 22 August at 1:20pm 

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of traditional Japanese music with the Satsuki Odamura Koto Ensemble, providing a mesmerising performance that will transport you through sound and time.

This talented ensemble brings the delicate, expressive voice of the traditional Japanese string instrument Koto to life. Their performances are rich with emotion, elegance, and cultural depth, creating a serene and unforgettable experience for all ages.

Whether you’re discovering the Koto for the first time or reconnecting with its timeless melodies, this is a musical journey not to be missed!

Wednesday 20 August at 2:20pm | Thursday 21 August at 1:30pm | Friday 22 August at 2:30pm

Step into the world of Jade Kenji, where music, mystique and magnetic stage presence collide.

Blending modern sounds with traditional Japanese influences, Jade delivers a powerful, genre defying performance that’s as soulful as it is unforgettable. With rich vocals, evocative melodies, and a unique artistic flair, her music captivate from the first note and lingers long after the final chord.

This is a sonic experience that stirs the heart and awakens the senses.

Tuesday 19 August, Thursday 21 August and Friday 22 August at 10:45am

Discover the serene art of Ikebana, where every flower placement tells a story of balance, beauty and mindfulness.

Join Yuga Flora for a graceful and inspiring demonstration of this centuries old Japanese floral tradition. With each thoughtful stem and carefully crafted arrangement, you’ll gain insight into the harmony between nature, space, and emotion.

Perfect for lovers of design, culture, and quiet beauty, this is a rare opportunity to witness floral artistry in its purest form.

Saturdays at 12:10pm | Sundays at 12:30pm

Experience the power, precision and grace of Aikido. A dynamic Japanese martial art that transforms movement into mindfulness.

This captivating demonstration showcases the fluid techniques and disciplined philosophy behind Aikido, where energy is redirected rather than resisted. Watch as skilled practitioners display seamless throws, joint locks, and controlled motion that reflect the art’s core principles of harmony and self-mastery.

Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast or simply curious, this is a thrilling and inspiring display of strength through serenity.

Monday 18 August at 12:30pm and 2:20pm | Thursday 21 August at 4:15pm

Immerse yourself in nostalgia with Rimsha Nazir, a young rising star who seamlessly blends genres and generations with ease.

Drawing deep inspiration from vintage anime themes and iconic J-Pop hits Rimsha revives the magic of the past with a modern twist, delivering nostalgic performances that resonate with longtime fans and new audiences alike.

Saturday 16 August at 3:30pm | Tuesday 19 August at 3pm

Blending atmospheric textures with raw emotion, FAEBLE is a rising force. Known for their captivating live shows, the band invites audiences into a world where melody meets mood and no feeling is off limits.

Wednesday 20 August at 11am and 1:15pm

Sean Murphy is globe-trotting MC and comedian who brings fun wherever he goes. A Japanese-speaker and major events specialist, he has performed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and more recently the Expo 2025 Osaka. Get ready to see Sean mix Australian and Japanese culture for unmissable comedy.

Thursday 21 August at 3pm | Friday 22 August at 3:45pm

Come and join ANU Za Kabuki to learn the art and skills of traditional Japanese theatre. With the club being formed in 1976, ANU Za Kabuki have been able to develop their own unique style in comparison to the traditional Kabuki found in Japanese Theatre. Engage in the fun and connect through their modern jokes, dancing, pop music whilst also exploring the old Japanese language and traditional scripts.

Tuesday 19 August at 4:10pm

Be transported into another dimension where the world is bright green, with sounds and rhythms that flow from mixes of EDM, Psy-Trance & Kawaii Future Bass. Let Wooly, a solo J-Pop Idol take you there with her talent transcending genres and eras!

Tuesday 19 August at 2:15pm | Wednesday 20 August at 3:45pm

Get ready for a burst of colour, energy and unfiltered fun – Kitsu Mayhem is here to light up the stage!

A solo J-Pop idol based in Sydney bringing a whirlwind of catchy music, dazzling dance and interactive fan culture to every performance.

Saturday 23 August at 3:30pm | Sundays at 4pm

Get ready for a high-energy celebration of Japanese music with AniJam - Sydney’s premier anime and J-Pop cover band! From iconic anime openings and endings to Vocaloid hits and J-Pop classics, AniJam brings the tracks of your favourite shows to life with passion and power.

Expect hard-hitting anime rock, chill J-Pop vibes and a whole lot of good energy.

Wednesday 20 August at 12 noon

Prepare for an unforgettable, immersive journey into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture!

The Four Seasons Japanese Cultural Show offers a dynamic and interactive exploration of the customs and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.