TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–The University of Alabama’s 14th annual Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture and friendships, is accepting applications for the 10th Annual Sakura Festival Haiku Contest and the 2nd Annual Sakura Festival Art Contest before the deadline of March 1.
“Kokoro/Heart” has been chosen as this year’s theme of the Sakura Festival. Variously translated as heart/mind/spirit/feeling, kokoro is a specifically Japanese concept that calls for the expression of heartfelt moments between and among peoples of all ages, times and places.
The 10th Annual Sakura Festival Haiku Contest is open to Alabama residents of all ages and to friends of Alabama living in Japan and all over the world. Awards will be presented to the first, second, third and fourth 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. The haiku must have 17 syllables distributed in three lines of 5-7-5 syllables, respectively. It must represent at least two images; the use of a seasonal element is optional. All entries must be original compositions and must be written in Japanese or English. Winners will be announced in May. For more information or an entry form, call 205/348-5312.
The Second Annual Sakura Festival Art contest is open to children in grades 1-6. Any medium may be used on poster size paper. Judging takes place at “Matsuri in the Mall,” in Tuscaloosa on March 11. Entries will be displayed in the center court of Tuscaloosa’s McFarland Mall, March 10-12. All information is available at 205/391-9200.
Contact
Carin Charles or Linda Hill, Office of Media Relations, 205/348-8325