TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Japan Program’s annual Sakura Festival, or cherry blossom festival, is being held March 1-April 11.

The festival's goal is to help people understand Japanese culture. The
theme for this year's festival is Nozomi, which means “hope.” The festival includes displays, contests, exhibits, lectures, and many other cultural events.

There will be several public events, including one at McFarland Mall called Matsuri in the Mall in Tuscaloosa on March 9 and another program at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham on March 23. There will also be a Haiku Contest and an Art Contest.

The Haiku Contest allows writers from Japan and Alabama to capture images of hope for a bright future of peace. The winning entries -- in English or Japanese -- will be published in a booklet. Winners also receive cash prizes. Friday, March 1, is the contest deadline. More information and entry forms are available by calling 205/348-5312.

The Art Contest theme is “No Borders, No Fences, Just Friends.” The contest is open to children in grades 1-12. Any medium may be used on poster size paper. The deadline for entries is March 1; judging will occur at the Matsuri in the Mall on March 9. Entries will be displayed in the Center Court of McFarland Mall, March 9-10. Call 205/391-9200 for contest 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/.