TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The 19th annual Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture and friendship, is scheduled for the month of March. The festival provides an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through lectures, exhibits, demonstrations, a Haiku contest and other activities.

The University of Alabama Japan Program organizes the festival.

The theme for this year's festival is "hana" or flower. This theme represents the cheerfulness and glory embodied in the wide variety of Japan-focused activities and events organized for this year’s festival. The budding cherry blossoms signal one of the special treasures of the spring, as many volunteers, artists and participants come together for moments of fun and friendship.

In Japan, the Sakura Festival is a celebration of the blossoming of the cherry trees, recognizing spring's renewal of the spirit of life and celebrating its beauty. During "ohanami," the viewing of the cherry blossoms, UA's Denny Chimes area boasts a spectacular view of blossoms on cherry trees made possible through a donation from a businessman in Tuscaloosa's sister city of Narashino, Japan.

Cherry blossoms can also be seen at the corner of University Boulevard and Stadium Drive, the University Arboretum and on trees donated by JVC America. The cherry blossoms at Shelton State Community College and in the Narashino Grove, located off Lurleen Wallace Boulevard, were both developed with funds donated by the city of Narashino.

The Sakura Festival is expected to attract people from around the Southeast to the UA campus and the Tuscaloosa community. Most events are free to the public.

Sponsors of this year's Sakura events include: The Alabama Power Co., Daikin America Inc., Honda Manufacturing of America, JVC America Inc., McCord Leakless Sealing Co., Alabama Gas Corp., Sony Magnetic Products, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, Continental Airlines, The Japan-America Society of Alabama, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Sister Cities Commission and Bell South.

Sakura Festival 2005 events include:

The 15th Annual Sakura/Cherry Blossom Haiku Contest
Deadline: Tuesday, March 1
Everyone is invited to ‘bloom’ into the world of Japanese poetry by creating a haiku. With its theme of Hana/Flower, the haiku contest provides writers from Japan and Alabama the opportunity to capture images of flowers from their hearts. The winning entries in either English or Japanese are published in an attractive booklet. Winners also receive cash prizes. Information and entry forms are available from The UA Capstone International Center, Japan Program at 205/348-5312, or http://bama.ua.edu/~jprogram/sakura.

The 7th Annual Sakura Festival Art Contest
Deadline: Friday, March 4
Art Contest theme: “Connecting Global Villages”
The contest is open to children in grades 1-12. Any medium may be used on poster-size paper. The artwork will be judged on Monday, March 7, and will be on display in the Center Court of McFarland Mall from March 11-13. Information is available at 205/469-2183.

Sakura Festival at the Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
March 1-31
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Monday
CHOM is located at 2213 University Boulevard, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Admission is charged.

Kokeshi Doll-Making Workshop
Saturday, March 5
10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

The Japanese Hanging Fish Workshop
Saturday, March 19
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Kimono Appreciation at Birmingham Public Library
Wednesday, March 2, Noon-12:45 p.m.
Arrington Auditorium, Central Library (Birmingham), 2100 Park Place

The kimono is the traditional clothing of Japan. It may vary according to the gender, age and marital status of the wearer. It may also vary according to the season of the year, and the occasion for which the kimono is worn. Information is available from Haruyo Miyagawa at 205/226-3671. Admission is free.

Doll Festival/ Hina Matsuri Exhibit at the Japan Culture and Information Center (JCIC)
Thursday, March 3, 2-4 p.m.
B.B. Comer Hall, Room 121-F, UA Capstone International Center

Children of all ages are invited to celebrate the Doll Festival, Girls’ Festival and Peach Festival. Beautiful dolls representing the traditional Japanese royal court will be on display at the tatami room. Appreciating dolls handed down from generation to generation is a great family experience. Information is available at 205/348-5311. Admission is free.

Exhibit: Ukiyoe and Its Prints – Reception
Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Exhibition on display: March 3-23, Noon-1 p.m.
Art Gallery, Ferguson Center

The art gallery will be the site of an exhibition of Japanese woodblock prints that span the history of this art form. Included in the exhibition are examples of ukiyo-e, or ‘pictures of the floating world,’ from the 17th and 18th centuries by well-known Japanese artists. Admission is free. The gallery may also be viewed by appointment by calling Catherine Pagani at 205/348-1428.

A Taste of Japan
Thursday, March 17, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
B.B. Comer Hall, Room 121

Enjoy demonstrations of rolled osushi, onigri/rice ball and okonomiyaki, a Japanese pizza. Information is available from Satoko Seale at 205/348-5311. Admission is free.

Kokoro no Tahi: Memories of Japan in Dance
Thursday, March 17, 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
Morgan Auditorium

UA dancers will present original performances choreographed by Laura Simmons to represent her memories of Japan. Information is available at 205/348-5312. Admission is free.

Lecture on “The Way of Tea” at Tuscaloosa Public Library
Sunday, March 20, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Rotary Room, Tuscaloosa Public Library

Dr. Catherine Pagani will speak on “The Way of Tea.” Her talk will describe how the Japanese Tea Ceremony provides insight into Japanese culture and the practice of Zen. Japanese tea ceremony utensils will be displayed in the lobby of the Tuscaloosa Public Library. Admission is free. Please contact Elizabeth Bradt at 205/345-5820 for more information.

Origami Workshop
Monday, March 14, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. (Weaver Bolden Branch Library)
Tuesday, March 15, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. (Tuscaloosa Public Library)

Children can explore the world of creativity by folding paper to make flowers and toys. Admission is free to both events.

Doll Festival Exhibit at Birmingham Museum of Art
March 1-31
Museum closed on Monday

Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art. During the month of March, a collection of Taisho period (1912-1926) Japanese dolls will be on display. Admission is free. Information is available at 205/254-2566.

Matsuri in the Mall
Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., McFarland Mall Center Court

Experience various aspects of Japanese culture all day at McFarland Mall. Booth and stage activities for the entire family will be available. For more information call 205/348-5311.