The Sakura Matsuri in Local Schools (SMILES) initiative invites business and individuals to sponsor public school children and their families to attend the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. The initiative is supported by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC's Japan in a Suitcase program, which works with schools in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland to provide free educational programs focused on Japanese language, culture and society. SMILES will open the door for local students and their guardians to attend the 60th Anniversary of the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival and enjoy a day of Japanese culture, arts, food, and crafts right here in the District of Columbia.

Donations of $500 and up will be featured in the Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival program. All donations will be listed on the festival website.