Sakura: A Musical Celebration of the Cherry Blossoms

The harmony between humanity and nature constitutes an ideal state in Japanese music. In spring, the beautiful but short-lived sakura (flowering cherry tree)—Japan's most celebrated plant whose blossom is the national flower—powerfully symbolizes the transient splendor of human life. Each year, in Washington, D.C., thousands of visitors savor the beauty of the cherry blossoms which have come to represent the friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. Featuring traditional Japanese folk songs, classical instrumentals, and live ensemble performances, this recording honors the musical gifts that were brought to the United States from Japan.

1 Sakura - Kyoko Okamoto
2 Yasugi Bushi (Song of Yasugi) - Unkown Artists
3 Asadoya Yunta of Okinawa - Unkown Artists
4 Hachigeshi (Returning the Bowl) - Riley Kelly Lee
5 Akita Nitaka Bushi (Akita Nitaka Song) - Sanae Yabumuki
6 The Song of Rice-Husking - Unkown Artists
7 Song of the Stonemason - Unkown Artists
8 Soran Bushi (Soran Song) - Unknown Artists
9 Rokudan No Shirabe (Music of Six Steps) - Shinichi Yuize
10 Yuudachi (Evening Rainstorm) - Taiko Ensemble: Soh Daiko