Experience the Magic of Cherry Blossoms! Friday, March 20 - Sunday, April 2 during all timed entry sessions. The Lab is bursting into bloom for the National Cherry Blossom Festival! Dive into the beauty, traditions, and innovations of Japan with exploration-focused activities that blend art, science, and culture. Program a robot, create cherry blossom origami to take home, and explore the Lab during the cherry blossom scavenger hunt as you learn more about the science and history behind these iconic blooms.

This 1-day workshop will introduce participants to the meditative practice of arranging white sand, stones, and small tools on black lacquer trays to create ephemeral miniature landscapes. Rooted in ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions and connected to the appreciation of suiseki (scholar's stones), bonseki embodies themes of ephemerality, seasonal awareness, and poetic reflection. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and quiet viewing (haiken), students will learn both introductory and intermediate techniques for shaping landscapes such as winter skies, blossoms, and birds in flight. The workshop will incorporate seasonal poetry, a tea and sweets service, and group reflection. Participants will have the rare opportunity to view selections from the instructor's personal antique bonseki collection. No-refund, no-exchange policy applies.

Get in on the action at Animazement, a three-day Japanese animation and culture celebration over Memorial Day weekend that draws 15,000 attendees to the Raleigh Convention Center. Cosplay is a huge draw: guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters simply for fun, or to participate in contests showcasing their talents!