Kampai! Japan Brings Sake and Sushi to Washington

A Taste of Japan at the 'Grand Sake Tasting'

Taiko drummers beat their drums. Local restaurants served delicious sushi -- a type of food made with uncooked fish, rice and vegetables.

And most everyone drank sake, or Japanese rice wine.

Guests enjoying sake in Washington, DC

The Grand Sake Tasting was held in Washington D.C. on September 30. The Carnegie Library in the heart of the city was full of Japanese, Americans and others, enjoying the traditional alcoholic drink from Japan called sake.

Japanese food and music were also served to the 100 or so people who attended the event. This was the third year the fundraiser was held.

Money raised from ticket sales – each ticket cost $100 to $150 -- supports the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival celebrates the native Japanese trees the Japanese government donated to the U.S. in 1912. Each year when the trees bloom pink flowers, thousands of people come to Washington to see them along the Potomac River.

Jasmine Taylor pouring sake at the Grand Sake Tasting in Washington, DC

Haruka Takeuchi, our VOA intern, has more (in the video) as she explores this event celebrating her native culture!

I'm Jonathan Evans.

delicious – adj. very pleasant to taste

fundraiser – n. a social event held to collect money for an organization, group or event

ticket – n. a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event or travel on a vehicle

bloom – v. to produce flowers

intern – n. a student or recent graduate who works for a period of time at a job in order to get experience

Now it’s your turn. What types of traditional food and drink does your country have? Are there many social events used to raise money for charities in your country? Let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.