Nashville Cherry Blossom Japan Relief Event Went On as Planned

An estimated 8,000 Nashvillians turned out for the 3rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This year we came in support of Japan and we raised more than $50,000 for the Relief Effort.

In response to the latest catastrophic events in Japan, this year the annual Cherry Blossom festival went on as planned refocusing the theme toward a Cherry Blossom Japan Relief Event. The program began with a walk led by Mayor Karl Dean, Consul General of Japan Hiroshi Sato, and Sister Cities of Nashville Board President Tracy Dry Kane. Their path followed the Nashville Cumberland River Greenway and through the city concluding at the public square on 2nd Avenue.

Following the walk, visitors of all ages were able to experience performances featuring many cultural presentations and activities that continued throughout the day. For those who wanted to participate, one entertaining demonstration gave instructions on how to create an Origami Flying Bird – a known traditional Japanese paper “peace” crane.

100 percent from the festival proceeds and donations were sent to the Tennessee Tomodachi Fund. The Japan-America Society of Tennessee continues to accept donations for the Tennessee Tomodachi Fund. In Japanese, Tomodachi translates into “friend” so as a friend please mail your tax-deductible donation to the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, P.O. Box 190476, Nashville, TN 37219.

The Japanese people are in great need after the devastating quakes. Donations to the Tennessee Tomodachi Fund are still being accepted on-line via PayPal through their website www.jastn.com.

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Photography by Bob Coan