What It Was Like to Join the Biggest Japanese Street Festival in the U.S. — Sakura Matsuri 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a vibrant world of Japanese culture, food, art, and fashion Sakura Matsuri in Washington, DC is where it all comes alive. This April, we had the honor of bringing Arta Asiatica to the largest Japanese street festival in the United States, hosted by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC.

Here’s what it was like to be a vendor at this unforgettable event, how our handmade accessories inspired by Japanese tradition were received, and why we believe moments like this matter for both creators and culture lovers alike.

🌸 What Is Sakura Matsuri?

Sakura Matsuri, which means “Cherry Blossom Festival” in Japanese, is a massive celebration of Japanese culture that happens during DC’s cherry blossom season. With over 40,000 attendees, it’s more than just a street fair. It’s a full-on cultural experience.

From Taiko drumming and cosplay to traditional crafts and Japanese eats, the event brings together artists, chefs, and creators from across the country to share their love of Japan. This year, I joined for the first time as a handmade vendor in Artist Alley, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

🎨 Why I Joined Sakura Matsuri

As someone who creates fashion accessories inspired by Japanese heritage, Sakura Matsuri felt like the perfect space to share what I make. My brand, Arta Asiatica, is all about blending tradition with everyday style in a way that feels meaningful.

Since everything at the Artist Alley booth had to be handmade by the artist, I brought my full collection of hair accessories. These included:

• Kimono scrunchies made from upcycled kimono fabric

• Japanese men's headbands featuring traditional patterns like Asanoha 

• Elegant snap clips using carefully selected Japanese prints

Meeting people face-to-face, hearing their stories, and seeing their reactions made it all feel so real and rewarding.

🧵 Everything Handmade With Heart

Since I was in Artist Alley, every single item had to be handmade by me. And that’s exactly what I brought. I spent weeks preparing in my studio, cutting, stitching, and hand-finishing each piece.

The men's headbands were a big hit, especially since there aren’t many handmade options for guys when it comes to traditional Japanese designs. And the scrunchies and clips were popular for their mix of color, texture, and cultural meaning.

Everything I shared came from a place of love not just for fashion, but for honoring traditional fabrics and turning them into something people can wear every day.

📸 What I Showcased at the Festival

Here’s a quick look at what I brought to my Artist Alley booth at Sakura Matsuri:

• Upcycled kimono scrunchies, each with a unique story

• Japanese headbands for men in bold, timeless prints

• Decorative snap clips with Japanese patterns

All of these were exclusive to the event, but many of them will be coming to my online shop soon. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to get updates when they launch!

💡 What I Learned at My First Sakura Matsuri

1. People love products with a story. Handmade and traditional really matter.

2. Cultural connection creates conversation. Patterns like Asanoha and Ichimatsu sparked interest and emotion.

3. Booth design helps people understand your brand. Having signage that explained the fabric meanings made a big difference.

This event was more than just selling products. It was about connecting through shared appreciation for Japanese design and craftsmanship.

🔔 Couldn't Make It to the Festival?

You can still experience these pieces online. My shop celebrates Japanese culture through carefully made accessories, and I’d love to share them with you.

🌟 Shop handmade hair accessories inspired by Japanese tradition 👉 Browse the Arta Asiatica Collection

📬 A Personal Thank You

I’m so grateful to everyone who came by my booth, asked questions, made a purchase, or simply stopped to chat. You made my first Sakura Matsuri unforgettable.

Supporting small artists means supporting culture, tradition, and the stories that come with them. Thank you for being part of that. Arigato!

With love, Miyuki 🌾