Sakura Swap: A cultural Exchange in bloom

Trading places – Tokyo to DC

Tokyo Nights: Imagine a private hanami cruise on the Sumida River, lanterns reflecting on the water as jazz melodies drift through the air, paired with a curated kaiseki bento. Then, step into Shibuya’s legendary listening bars, like DJ Bar Bridge and Bar Martha, where rare vinyl spins and aged whiskey fills the air. Explore the avant-garde world of GR8 Tokyo, where Comme des Garçons archival pieces sit next to cutting-edge AI-generated fashion.

Adding to the creative energy, Loewe’s ‘Crafted World’ Tokyo exhibition will showcase the house’s unparalleled craftsmanship, blending fashion, art, and culture in an immersive experience that highlights the brand’s connection to Japan.

DC Mornings: Kayak at dawn along the Anacostia River, where the cherry blossoms paint the water in pink and gold. Indulge in Japanese-influenced dining, from Chef Katsuya Fukushima’s Tonari (Japanese-Italian cuisine) to a late-night escape at Shoto’s manga-inspired lounge, The Arcade. At ARTECHOUSE, step into an immersive installation where technology brings the cherry blossoms to life in ways never seen before.

From serene hanami to the cutting-edge creative scenes of both cities, this exchange proves sakura season is more than a moment—it’s an experience.

Pictured, from left: Daikaya Group’s Katsuya Fukushima, Daisuke Utagawa and Yama Jewayni; credit: Vina Sananikone