Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

The Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony took place at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

The Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony took place at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School); Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 Opening Ceremony in DC

Shodo Girls (Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School) perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sunday March 25, 2018. The kick-off the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States through a showcase of American and Japanese talent. During Shodo performances, whether on stage or at a street corner, a work of calligraphy is completed vibrantly while dancing to music. “Shodo Performance Koshien” is a competition to determine the top high school Shodo performance team in Japan. In this competition, each team produces a single piece of work with the dynamic strokes on a large sheet of paper. In 2017, the Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Chuo High School Japanese Calligraphy Club won the first prize in the 10th "Shodo Performance Koshien", and has been one of the top finalists eight consecutive times. The club has been praised for their dynamic performance, innovative calligraphy composition, and their natural approach toward Shodo expressions. (Photo by Jeff Malet)