The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival deeply values the backgrounds and viewpoints that comprise the diverse Japanese and Japanese American community. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all participants, attendees, volunteers and staff to celebrate and honor Japanese culture and heritage. We respect the right to peaceful protest. We were,…
2024 Senior Appreciation Honorees
Over the last 37 years, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival’s Senior Appreciation Brunch has honored more than 250 individuals. In Japanese culture, seniors hold a place of respect and reverence in one’s family and community. These seniors have made a significant impact on those around them, demonstrating the importance of leadership, education and the preservation…
Meet the Artist: Taiko Fujimura, 2024 Poster Designer
San Francisco-based Mixed Media Artist Taiko Fujimura designed this year’s Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival poster. Taiko’s work is a beautiful fusion of watercolor, ink, acrylic, and oil, depicting a colorful and emotional journey through her experiences and connections with the world around her. You may recognize her artwork through the Hearts in San Francisco,…
2024 Winners of the Community Service Scholarship
This marks the 36th year of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Community Service Scholarship. The program is for graduating seniors of Japanese descent. Administered by the SF Nikkei Lions, the program awards two $2,500 scholarships to deserving high school seniors going to college. The winners will be awarded at the George Yamasaki, Jr. (Peace Plaza)…
2024 Queen & Court Announced
2024 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court Left to right: Princess Aimee Sumire Kanadjian Princess Julianne Aiko Ho Queen Claire Anne Inouye First Princess Kelly Midori Toma Princess Kami Chieko Kodama
Rick & Bobby Okamura, 2024 Community Parade Marshals
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is honored to announce Rick and Bobby Okamura as our 2024 Community Parade Marshals. There will be opportunities to see the Benkyodo brothers in the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Rick and Bobby Okamura of Benkyodo Company treated generations of our community and customers to ‘Confections that…
Hello Kitty, 2024 Grand Parade Marshal
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is honored to announce Hello Kitty® as our 2024 Grand Parade Marshal. She is a Global icon of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity. This year coincides with her 50th anniversary. There will be opportunities to see Hello Kitty® in the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Hello Kitty® was…
Welcome from the 2024 Festival Co-Chairs
Welcome everyone to the 57th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival! Thank you all for joining us as we celebrate another incredible year with you. We are honored to serve as Co-Chairs, bringing together our unique perspective and backgrounds to celebrate Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage with all of you. We – Matt…