Sakura Matsuri

From March 16 until July 27, 2024, Plantation Agriculture Museum will be hosting an exhibit called “Muttsu no Kazoku: Six Families’ Journey from Internment to Scott” telling a story that has long been overlooked. This exhibit will explore life for the Shingu, Futamachi, Nakamura, Oshima, Yada, and Yoshimura families before, during, and after World War II with special focus on their lives in Scott. Join the museum in a celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture to recognize the opening of the exhibit on March 16, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This special Sakura Matsuri, or cherry blossom festival, will include games, vendors, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drum performance, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to play traditional games that were enjoyed in both Japan and here in Scott, make crafts to take home with them, hear traditional Japanese drumming, and learn about Japanese rice and koi grown in Arkansas. Visitors will also be able to learn about traditional Japanese crafts like ikebana, bonsai, calligraphy, and taiko from artists who practice those skills. Vendors will be on the grounds selling teas, soybean products, and Japanese snacks.