February 25, 2018 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) honors the culture of Japan with an expanded version of its annual celebration of Japanese Girl’s Day—Hinamatsuri—on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. Activities are free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Under the theme of “Imagine Japan,” a highlight of the program will be performances by Neo Japanesque, a Nagoya, Japan-based five-member band consisting of Japanese traditional instruments and western instruments such as the bass, keyboard, and drums.

The programs were developed in partnership with Japan Cultural Development was organized under the Japan Business Society of Detroit to promote a friendship between U.S. and Japan after the local Japan community’s involvement in the Grand Bargain during Detroit’s bankruptcy. Japan Cultural Development focuses on culture, arts and education in the U.S. and Japan.

Other performances include Masayo Ishigure on the kotos (Japanese horizontal harp), a fashion show, a calligraphy performance by Kyoko Fujii.

Demonstrations include a tea ceremony, workshops of origami and Japanese sweets, and more. Ikebana (flower arrangements), Hina dolls and a mikoshi will also be on display.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.dia.org/events/japanese-girls-day-hinamatsuri

This program is part of “Arts of Asia: A Year-Long Celebration” in honor of the opening of the new Robert and Katherine Jacobs Asian Wing at the DIA.