Tuscaloosa's "Matsuri in the Mall" - March 28, 2009
The JIC Display Table at the "Matsuri in the Mall"
In Alabama, Birimingham's month-long "Sakura Matsuri" concluded with the "Matsuri in the Mall" at McFarland Mall center court. Over the course of the six-hour event, there were dances, martial arts demonstrations, musical events, and a variety of cultural programs. A wide variety of arts and crafts, food, and other items were available for sale as well.
The Information Center's booth hosted several of its usual exhibits, including traditional Japanese toys like tops (Koma) and ring toss (Wanage). There were also complimentary printed materials like issues of Nipponia magazine, and origami demonstrations.
Traditional Japanese Dancers