Whether you're drawn by the elegance of classical Japanese traditions or the thrill of today’s pop culture, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
Japanese Tea Ceremony - Tae Gessner
Sunday's at 10:00am
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.
Taiko Drumming - Yu Ni On!
Saturday 22 August, Thursday 27 August and Sunday 30 August at 12:00pm | Monday 24 August at 1:00pm
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.
Ninja Stunt Show
Friday 28 August at 10:40am | Sunday 30 August at 2:45pm
Prepare for an action-packed spectacle as our Ninja Stunt Show brings the legendary world of Japan's shadow warriors to life.
From stealthy maneuvers to heart-racing battle sequences, every moment showcases the agility, precision and discipline that have made ninja legends endure for centuries.
Shiho Sparkle Hooper
Wednesday 26 August at 10:30am | Friday 28 August at 11:00am |Saturday 29 August at 11:45am
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.
Hikaru Shine
Monday 24 August | Wednesday 26 August |Thursday 27 August at 11:40am and Tuesday 25 August at 12:10pm
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.
Tokyo Boho Trio
Sunday 23 August at 10:30am and 1:15pm | Monday 24 August at 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Tuesday 25 August at 1:30pm
Lose yourself in the nostalgic elegance of 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.
Sogetsu Ikebana Demonstration by Hiroko Prado
Tuesday 25 August at 2:30pm | Friday 28 August at 1:00pm
Hiroko Prado is a leading Sydney-based Ikebana artist with over 30 years of international experience. She holds the prestigious First Grade Riji, the highest teaching qualification in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, and serves as Director of Sogetsu Sydney/NSW and President of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter
Hiroko has presented demonstrations at renowned venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney. She has also conducted exclusive Ikebana workshops for high-end clients of Christian Dior and Mercedes-Benz in Singapore, and has been invited to create floral art for official diplomatic events hosted by the Consul-General of Japan.
Experience the beauty and creativity of contemporary Japanese flower arranging as Hiroko brings the mindful art of Sogetsu Ikebana to life in a captivating live demonstration.
Jade Kenji
Saturday 29 August at 12:15pm
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.
!nvolution
Wednesday 26 August at 12:00pm | Thursday 27 August at 10:00am | Sunday 30 August at 10:45am
!nvolution ignites the stage with captivating live anime music! This passionate performance group features a versatile vocal trio, mastering a wide emotional and stylistic range – from the upbeat fun of idol hits (Love Live!) to the dramatic intensity of darker themes (Madoka Magica).
Their sound is uniquely elevated by elegant harmonies, dynamic percussion that drives the energy and expressive violin adding intricate layers and soaring emotion.
Mel.Wav
Saturday 22 August at 2:30pm
Get ready for an unforgettable set from mel.wav, the Western Sydney trio bringing together lush keys, dynamic production and soulful vocals in a captivating fusion of house music. Inspired by the sounds of Les Sins/Toro y Moi, Cleo Sol and Vegyn.
End Notes
Sunday 23 August at 12:00pm
Experience the vibrant sounds of End Notes, one of Sydney’s most celebrated live music collectives. Led by bassist Ed Lyons, the group brings together a dynamic ensemble of musicians renowned for their high-energy performances, rich improvisation and infectious grooves. Drawing influence from jazz, soul, Latin and global rhythms, End Notes delivers a powerful live experience that seamlessly blends musical virtuosity with irresistible dancefloor energy. Whether reimagining timeless classics or uncovering hidden gems, every End Notes performance is a journey through rhythm, connection and celebration.
Takashi Wakasugi
Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August at 11:30am
Get ready to laugh as acclaimed Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi makes his first-ever appearance at the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival. Born in Japan and now one of Australia's most distinctive comedy voices, Takashi has built a loyal following with his sharp observations on cultural differences, life in Australia, and the wonderfully awkward moments in between.
Costa Georgiadis - Green Thumbs
Tuesday 25 August at 10:30am
Join Costa Georgiadis for a special Storytime session packed with imagination, nature and fun. Through engaging stories, laughter and Costa’s trademark energy, children will discover the wonders of plants, gardens and the natural world. Perfect for young explorers and budding gardeners, this interactive session is sure to inspire a lifelong love of nature.
Costa Georgiadis - Garden Lovers
Tuesday 25 August at 12:30pm
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, don't miss this inspiring conversation with Costa Georgiadis, one of Australia's most passionate advocates for gardening and sustainability. Drawing on years of experience, Costa will share practical tips, inspiring stories and his unique approach to creating thriving, connected gardens that benefit people, communities and the environment. Gain fresh ideas, expert advice and renewed enthusiasm for your own gardening journey.
Gyokuran Fujita - Japanese Calligraphy Performance Artist
Monday 24 August, Tuesday 25 August, Wednesday 26 August and Thursday 27 August at 11:15am
Gyokuran Fujita is a Japanese calligraphy artist based in Sydney, Australia. Through her dynamic live performances, she expresses the beauty, power, and spirit of Japanese calligraphy.
While honouring the traditional techniques of Japanese calligraphy, Gyokuran blends contemporary artistic expression to create powerful experiences through the movement of the brush, the beauty of ink, and the emotions captured in each single stroke.
Australian Haiku Society
Monday 24 August at 10:00am
The Australian Haiku Society exists to promote and support English language haiku in Australia and to encourage the enjoyment of this poetic form in the Australian community. Hosted by Vanessa Proctor BA(Hons) MA who is an awarding-winning British Australian poet who lives in Sydney, Australia. Her work has been widely published internationally. She discovered haiku while living in Japan in the early 1990s. She is a foundation member of the Australian Haiku Society and served as its president from 2016 – 2020. As well as appearing in print, her work has been set to music, printed on tea bag labels and etched into stone.
AniJam
Sunday 23 August at 2:20pm | Sunday 30 August at 1:30pm
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.
The Four Seasons Japanese Cultural Show - Wasabi Kids
Friday 28 August at 12:00pm
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.
Cooking with Yoshiko
Saturday 22 August at 10:30am and 1:20pm
Yoshiko Takeuchi is the founder of Cooking With Yoshiko and has been teaching Japanesecooking for over 25 years in Japan and Australia. A former chef with over a decade of professional experience and the author of three cookbooks, Yoshiko specialises in healthy, authentic Japanese cooking, Japanese superfoods and everyday recipes that are nourishing, practical and delicious. For this demonstration, Yoshiko will share simple and beautiful Japanese-inspired recipes celebrating flavour, culture and wellbeing.
Kuuhaku Station
Saturday 22 August at 3:30pm | Sunday 23 August at 3:15pm
Hello and welcome into the void! We are Kuuhaku Station, a three-member J-pop idol group based in Sydney, Australia. With no boundaries for ourselves, we want to be cute, be cool, and challenge everything! Will you come join us in our voyage?
Kizuna
Wednesday 26 August and Friday 28 August at 2:00pm
KiZUNA is an acoustic group based in Western Sydney that is passionate about Japanese music, culture and media. We are active members of the Sydney J-music community and have performed in major community events such as the annual SMASH convention and JAM FEST Sydney. For KiZUNA's second appearance at the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, come and see Jess and Adrian perform for the first time as a vocal-piano duo. Get ready to hear JPOP hits and songs from your favourite anime, re-imagined as heartfelt arrangements. We are excited to connect with you all at the beautiful Auburn Botanic Gardens!
Vinyl House
Thursday 27 August at 1:00pm
Vinyl House brings together soulful house, disco classics, and feel-good grooves, delivering a soundtrack designed to keep crowds moving. With a passion for timeless sounds and vibrant energy, Vinyl House creates uplifting sets that blend nostalgia, rhythm, and dancefloor magic, turning every performance into a celebration of music and connection.
Tentai Kansokusha
Thursday 27 August at 2:00pm
Inspired by the Japanese phrase for “stargazer” or “celestial observer,” the group's music explores the space between dreams and reality, blending atmospheric melodies, emotional storytelling, and powerful arrangements that linger long after the final note.
Mung Mung
Saturday 29 August at 1:30pm
MUNGMUNG, often stylized as MUNGMUNG! is an emerging multidisciplinary singer, rapper, and multidisciplinary artist based in Sydney, Australia. Known for her vibrant aesthetic and captivating personality, she has quickly made a name for herself in the Australian music scene
Ohara School of Ikebana
Saturday 29 August at 2:15pm
Hosted by Kuniko Nakano, Ohara School of Ikebana showcases the timeless Japanese art of floral arrangement, where nature, balance, and creativity come together in exquisite harmony. Through carefully crafted designs that reflect the changing seasons, the school continues a rich tradition of artistic expression that has captivated audiences around the world for more than a century.
Sakelier - Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony
Saturday 22 August at 10:10am
Sakelier is your Japanese sake specialist, with a strong focus on regionality. Join them in the Sake barrel breaking ceremony to symbolize new beginnings, prosperity, and share good fortune.
V2R
Saturday 29 August 3:30pm
We are V2R, bringing the Virtual 2 Reality V2R is a Sydney-based piano quintet that has been arranging and performing video game and anime music since 2019. The group has appeared at major Sydney conventions including SMASH, JAMFest, and USYD’s PopFest, and collaborated with regional and international musicians such as The Consouls Band and !nvolution. In 2021, V2R hosted a sold-out concert to launch their Super Mario Galaxy arrangement album, followed by two successful video game music (VGM) concerts in 2023. Also in 2023, V2R collaborated with HOYO-MiX and performed an original arrangement for the Honkai: Star Rail's online music concert. In 2025, V2R's new piano quintet instrumentation debuted in the sold-out RPG-themed concert The First Quest, and the group is now proud to sponsor UNSW's Nintendo Society. V2R has an upcoming launch concert for their Hollow Knight and Silksong arrangement album on 9 October 2026. At the Cherry Blossom Festival, V2R is excited to perform acoustic arrangements of Japanese VGM alongside beloved anime favourites.
Sydney Budo Group
Friday 28 August at 10:00am
Iaido is a samurai training method using an unsheathed sword that was found in the late 15 century during the Japanese civil war era.
Iaido is both physical and mental training, for anyone young and old, man and woman.
Our aim is to be better than ourselves last week.
DJ Kana Frazer
Monday 24 August and Thursday 27 August at 3:00pm | Sunday 30 August at 3:20pm
Known for her seamless selections and genre-spanning sets, Kana creates an atmosphere that moves effortlessly between laid-back grooves and dancefloor energy. Drawing inspiration from soul, disco, house, funk and global rhythms, her sets are a vibrant exploration of music designed to connect, uplift and keep you moving.
DJ Colin Ho
Friday 28 August at 3:00pm | Saturday 29 August at 10:00am
From groove-filled basslines and shimmering synths to the iconic sounds of 80s Japan, Colin Ho curates a journey through the genre that defined an era. Expect a carefully selected mix of classics, rare gems, and contemporary tracks inspired by the vibrant energy of Tokyo after dark.
DJ El Chino
Wednesday 26 August at 3:00pm
From groove-filled basslines and shimmering synths to the iconic sounds of 80s Japan, Colin Ho curates a journey through the genre that defined an era. Expect a carefully selected mix of classics, rare gems, and contemporary tracks inspired by the vibrant energy of Tokyo after dark.
DJ Ren
Tuesday 25 August at 3:00pm
Ren is a Sydney-based DJ with a passion for bringing people together through music. His sets are built around fluid, creative transitions, thoughtful track selection, and finding unexpected connections between genres. From future R&B and boom bap to city pop edits, UK garage and everything in between, Ren enjoys taking the crowd on a journey—reading the room, feeding off the energy on the dance floor, and introducing people to songs they didn't know they wanted to hear.
