TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The 16th annual Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture and friendship, is scheduled for March 1-April 11.

The University of Alabama Japan Program organizes the festival, which provides an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through lectures, exhibits, demonstrations, a Haiku contest and other activities.

The theme for this year's festival is "nozomi" or hope. This word unifies a myriad of Japanese-focused activities and events in an expression of enthusiasm for peace and harmony among all peoples of the world. The theme represents 16 years of many volunteers and participants at the University joining together in their shared hopes for friendship, understanding and a bright future.

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.

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.

Sponsors of this year's Sakura events include: Coilplus-Alabama, Inc., JVC America Inc., McCord Leakless Sealing Co., Alabama Gas Corp., Ogihara America Corp., Sony Magnetic Products, Thermalex Inc., Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, Consulate General of Japan-Atlanta, Governor's Office of the State of Alabama, Continental Airlines, Japan-America Society of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Sister-Cities Commission, The University of Alabama, McFarland Mall, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens Society.

A schedule of festival events includes:

March 1 -- Fourth Annual Sakura Art Contest Deadline

The art contest theme is "No Borders, No Fences, Just Friends," and it is open to children in grades 1-12. Any medium may be used on poster-sized paper. Judging will take place at "Matsuri in the Mall" on March 9. Entries of the art contest will be displayed in the Center Court of McFarland Mall on March 9 & 10. All information is available 205/391-9200.

March 1 -- Sakura Festival Haiku Contest Deadline

The Haiku Contest is open to Alabama residents of all ages and to friends of Alabama living in Japan and all over the world. With its theme of nozomi/hope, the haiku contest permits writers from Japan and Alabama to capture images of hope for a bright future of world peace. Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners in each of the following categories in both English and Japanese: elementary school students-grades 1-3, elementary school students-grades 4-6, junior and senior high school students and adults. The winning entries will be published in the yearly haiku brochure and the winners will receive cash prizes. More information and entry forms are available at 205/348-5312.

March 1-30 -- Sakura Festival at the Tuscaloosa Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM)

Children are the hope of families and communities throughout the world. From the intriguing Japan House exhibit to the kimono doll bookmarks, the museum will offer a colorful celebration of Japanese culture emphasizing our shared intrigue with cultural differences as well as commonalties. Visitors can try on traditional Japanese clothing, get their passports and visit the Japan House, a replica of a modern day Japanese home. Materials will be available to make Kimono doll bookmarks. Admission is charged. For more information, call CHOM at 205/349-4235.

March 1 -- Doll's Festival Exhibit, Tuscaloosa Japan Culture and Information Center (JCIC)

Children of all ages are invited to celebrate Doll Festival/Girls' Festival/ Peach Festival March 1 at JCIC from 2-4 p.m. This day of hoping for growth and future happiness of girls was originally a purification ritual. Beautiful handmade dolls representing the traditional Japanese royal court will be on display in the "tatami" room. The entertainment will be koto music by Laurie Arizumi. Participants will also be able to enjoy Japanese refreshments. Call the JCIC at 205/348-5311 for details.

March 1 -- Setting the Japanese Table, Tuscaloosa Public Library

A display of traditional Japanese table settings will be on display at the Tuscaloosa Public Library on Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday from 12p.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. The table settings include plates, bowls, cups and chopsticks. Call the Tuscaloosa Public Library at 205/345-5820 for more information.

March 1-April 11 -- Lafcadio Hearn at the Hoole Special Collection Library Exhibit

Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo, is a well known writer to most Japanese people, but is much less known to Americans. Hearn lived in New Orleans from 1877-1887 and moved to Japan in 1890, where he immersed himself in Japanese culture. A collection of his works will be available in the Hoole Library. A second exhibit of Japanese kimono will complement these books.

March 9 -- Matsuri in the Mall, McFarland Mall Center Court, Tuscaloosa

The matsuri, or festival, in the mall affords the opportunity to experience the true nozomi/hope of Japanese culture.
11-11:05 a.m. -- Opening Ceremony-Kip Tyner, local TV personality
11:10-11:30 a.m. -- Okinawa Taiko (drum) and Dance -- Okinawa Taiko/ Miyagi-ryu Nozo Kai
11:35-11:55 a.m. -- Japanese Martial Arts -- UA Yoseikan Budo Club
Noon-12:20 p.m. -- Nozomi Daiko (drum) and Dance -- Nozomi Daiko of Alabama
12:25-12:55 p.m. -- Sumo Demonstration -- Georgia Sumo Association
1-1:20 p.m. -- Sword Demonstration -- International Shinkendo
1:25-1:45 p.m. -- Koto Music -- Yamada-ryu koto
1:50-2:10 p.m. -- Japanese Dance -- Mai no Kai
2:15-2:45 p.m. -- Sumo Demonstration -- Georgia Sumo Association
2:50-3:10 p.m. -- Okinawa Taiko (drum) and Dance -- Okinawa Taiko/ Miyagi-ryu Nozo Kai
3:15-3:35 p.m. -- Sword Demonstration -- International Shinkendo
3:40-4 p.m. -- Japanese dance -- Mai no Kai
4:00-4:15 p.m. -- Nozomi Daiko (drum) and Dance -- Nozomi Daiko of Alabama
4:15 p.m. -- Drawing for a free round-trip ticket to Japan, and a free round-trip ticket within the continental United States -- IACE Travel
Closing Ceremony- Kip Tyner

Matsuri in the Mall-Booth Activities

Bonsai Tree Display and Sale -- Rector's Bonsai Southeast Inc.
Calligraphy and Origami -- UA Japan Club
Continental Airlines
Information Booth -- The Japan-America Society of America
Japan Information Booth -- The Consulate General of Atlanta
Japanese Flower Arranging Exhibit -- Tuscaloosa Chapter Ikebana International
Japanese Martial Arts -- UA Yoseikan Budo Club
Kimono display -- Michelle Slagle, kimono consultant
Kimono Doll Bookmark-making -- Japan Culture and Information Center
Shinkendo (Swords Display) -- International Shinkendo Federation
Sister City Narashino -- Tuscaloosa Sister-Cities Commission
Sumo booth -- Georgia Sumo Association
Traditional Japanese Towels Display -- Japanese Community in West Alabama
Traditional Japanese Woodwork Display and Sale -- Sahara Japanese Architectural
Woodwork Inc.
Travel Information -- IACE Travel
Yo-Yo Fishing -- JVC Yo-Yo Family

March 23 -- Sakura Festival in Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The day will include Booth and Stage activities from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., a tour of the Japanese Gardens and Tea House, and a Tea Ceremony in the Lecture Hall at 1 p.m. that will be performed and explained by members of the Birmingham Urasenke Society. A Taste of Tea (featuring "matcha" -- powdered green tea) and Japanese tea cookies will be offered free to the first 50 guests at the Pavilion in the Japanese Garden during a flute and koto concert at 2:20 p.m. Call 205/414-3900 for more information.

April 11 -- Lafcadio Hearn Reception, Reading and Talk, at UA Hoole Special Collections Library

From 4:30-6:30 p.m., Catherine Oshida, UA instructor of Japanese, will read and explain Hearn's version of the Japanese folktale The Eater of Dreams (Baku) about a creature that "will change misfortune or fear into good fortune and gladness." Koichi Oshida will accompany the English language reading with a Japanese reading. Dr. Richard Collins of Xavier University will discuss "Lafcadio Hearn's Life in New Orleans." For more information, contact Jessica Lacher-Feldman at 205/348-0500. The event is free.