TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Japan Program will hold its 17th annual Sakura Festival, or cherry blossom festival, March 1-31.

The event’s goal is to raise awareness and understanding of Japanese culture and includes displays, contests, exhibits, lectures and many other cultural events. The theme for this year’s festival is Takara, which means “treasure.”

There will be several public events, including one at McFarland Mall called Matsuri/ Festival in the Mall on March 8, which will include many demonstrations of Japanese culture and art. There will also be a Haiku Contest and an Art Contest.

The 13th annual Haiku Contest invites writers from throughout Japan and America to capture images portraying gems of the heart and mind as well as special objects in the material world. The winning entries -- in either English or Japanese -- are published in an attractive booklet and winners receive cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Saturday, March 1. More information and entry forms are available by calling 205/348-5312.

The 5th annual Art Contest theme is Takara/Treasure. The contest is open to children in grades 1 through 12. Any medium may be used on poster size paper. Judging will take place at Matsuri/Festival in the Mall March 8. All entries will be displayed in the center court of McFarland Mall on March 8-10. Saturday, March 1, is the contest deadline. Contact Lisa Keyes at 205/469-2183 for more details.

For more information on Sakura Festival events, contact the UA Japan Program at 205/348-5312, 348-5311, or http://bama.ua.edu/~jprogram/sakura/.