Other activities at the Building Museum include the opportunity to try on traditional Japanese clothing that came from the National Children’s Museum in Washington. Spokesperson Lisa Marie Ryder says the museum hopes children will get interested in Japanese culture. “One way to do that is to feel and touch those traditional items, we hope will get them excited to learn about Japan and the world around them," she said.

The Cherry Blossom Festival also provides activities for children to learn crafts that reflect Japanese culture. Filipina Judytte Purdy is helping her daughter create a clothespin doll. "And this is actually my first time to make something like this," she said.

Katelyn Hinkel is also having fun with a different project. "While you’re gluing the popcorn on, it makes it look like a cherry blossom tree with real popcorn on it," she said.

The festival continues through April, emphasizing the enduring relationship between the United States and Japan.