Sights and Sounds of Tokyo City Cup Day at Santa Anita

Picture perfect weather and a festival atmosphere prevailed Saturday, as Santa Anita celebrated Tokyo City Cup Day. Racegoers strolled through the paddock gardens amongst the many Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations. One could even enjoy tea and sushi.

The Tokyo City Cup is held annually at Santa Anita in honor of the friendship agreement between the track and Tokyo City Keiba. Also known as Ohi Race Track, Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) is the home of racing in the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. TCK pioneered the "Twinkle Race" -- the very popular night time racing in Japan.

Cultural exhibits and performances included flower arranging (Kado), Karate, a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument (Koto), the art of traditional Japanese paper folding (Origami), Japanese swordsmanship (Shinkendo), Japanese calligraphy (Shodo), Japanese Taiko drum, and tea ceremonies.

An exciting and colorful Soma Nomaoi exhibition was also performed on the racetrack by costumed and armored Samurai horsemen, re-enacting traditional maneuvers boasting a history of more than 1,000 years.

Tokyo City Cup Day is a wonderful celebration of the sharing of culture, and I look forward to it every year!