On Saturday March 3rd and Sunday March 4th, Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) will fill the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) with the fragile fragrance of tea, restrained beauty of Ikebana arrangements and the music of the koto, the delicate movements of odori dancers, the rhythm of the powerful Taiko drummers and the clash of Kendo swords.

This year's Festival focuses on "Ocha - The Essence of Green Tea". Visitors may explore more deeply the growing popularity of green tea by
participating in tea ceremonies lead by the sensei from the Urasenke Tea Society. This ancient ceremony reflects many aspects of Japanese culture including pottery, poetry and calligraphy. 

In addition to the cultural components, the festival also focuses on the numerous health benefits of green tea. Various types of Ocha and tea-based beverages and foods will be offered through tea tastings.

Haru Matsuri features many demonstrations by masters and students of Japanese arts and crafts including traditional arts such as Ikebana (flower arranging), Bunka Shishu (embroidery), Origami (paper folding) and Sumi-e (brush painting), Shodo (Calligraphy)

Martial artists will demonstrate the techniques of "The Way of the Warrior" through Aikido, Judo, Karate, Iaido, Naginata, and Kendo.

Guests will enjoy Japanese entertainment - odori (traditional Japanese dancing) by JCCC traditional dance groups Ayame-Kai and Sakura-Kai, and music of the Taiko (Japanese drumming), Koto and Shamisen.

Japanese cuisine will also be available in the Centre's food court.

Haru Matsuri will take place in Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court on Saturday March 3, and Sunday March 4, 2007 between 12:00-5:00pm.