Celebrate the Year of the Tiger

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas (FWBG|BRIT) invites guests to celebrate spring in the Japanese Garden while exploring the arts and culture of Japan during the April 23-24 Spring Japanese Festival. Tickets are on sale at: fwbg.org/japanesefestival.

Hosted in cooperation with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the festival includes cultural demonstrations, performances, unique shopping opportunities and traditional foods.

Japanese Society President Harvey Yamagata says this year’s zodiac symbol represents a new perspective from last year’s Year of the Ox.

“The tiger denotes strength, vitality and growth – qualities that will hopefully stand us in good stead as we look to move past the challenges brought by the pandemic,” Yamagata said. “With new growth on trees and shrubs, warmer weather and the chance to be in beautiful outdoor surroundings, the spring festival corresponds nicely with those attributes.”

Festival admission this spring offers a triple benefit, said Executive Vice President Bob Byers.  “The large outdoor Stickwork exhibit is still up, waiting for in-and-out discovery and exploration.  In addition, David Rogers’ Big Bugs have invaded the Garden on a gargantuan scale and offer a role reversal of dimension and perception.”

Japanese culture highlights from the Spring Festival will include the following:

• Performances by two Taiko drumming groups, traditional Japanese martial arts experts and Master Swordsman G.K. Sugai.
• Displays of the miniature worlds of bonsai trees from the Fort Worth Bonsai Society, and demonstrations in Origami, Calligraphy and Japanese Games.
• Vendors selling treasures from origami jewelry to crafts made with vintage kimonos.
• Traditional dances.
• Food from Asian food trucks preparing delicious meals and snacks, as well as authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by the Fort Worth Japanese Society.

Other event details include the following:

• Tickets are included with the price of Botanic Garden admission ($12) and can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase tickets, visit: org/japanesefestival
• FWBG |BRIT members must apply a promo code at checkout to receive discounts. Questions? Contact the membership office at 817.332.7518.
• Members receive free entry but can register in advance. To become a member, visit org/membership