Cherry Blossom Festival 2010
On 7 April 2010, the Japanese community gathered to celebrate at the Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival, which attracted many guests, took place at the Cherry Blossom Park in Amstelveen amidst the blossoming trees.
Main event for Japanese community
The Cherry Blossom Festival has been held every year since 2000, when the Japanese Women's Club (JWC) planted 400 trees in the Amsterdamse Bos to celebrate 400 years of trading between Japan and the Netherlands. The festival is organised by amsterdam inbusiness, Embassy of Japan, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, JWC and the Netherlands-Japan Association (NVJ). It is regarded as the main event of the year for the Japanese community in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Prominent guests
The festival has traditionally attracted several visitors from both the Japanese community and the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The mayor of Amstelveen, Mr. J.H.C. van Zanen and the Japanese ambassador His Excellency Mr. M Shibuya gave a speech during the event. Professor Dr. W.R. van Gulik was the master of ceremonies and gave a speech as well.
Japanese festivities
Visitors could enjoy performances of the Hanadon Group (Taiko drummers) and the Kaze Choir. Furthermore, people could stroll around to get acquainted with many Japanese traditions such as origami and the ancient game of Go. Naturally, sushi and other traditional Japanese delicacies were served during the festival.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Japanese Women’s Club of the Netherlands in 2009, members and friends of the club made two ‘Friendship Quilts’ that were offered to Amstelveen. Besides the two quilts, Amstelveen was also offered a special kimono. The kimono was made for a 10 year old child because the cherry blossom trees in Amstelveen will be 10 years old this year.
During the festival, attention was paid to the 20th anniversary of the Kaze Choir as well. On 13 June, 15 women from Japan will join the choir in a special jubilee concert.
Japanese community
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is home to more than 4,000 Japanese expatriates, making it the second largest community in Europe. And, the community continues to grow steadily.
Members of the Japanese community can rely on a highly specialised group of commercial services targeted specifically at them. There are schools and restaurants reflecting the educational and culinary heritage of Japan, Japanese-speaking doctors, the local library has its own section of Japanese literature, and there is even a Japanese-speaking fishmonger, who caters to the taste of his fellow countrymen.
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