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, however, disheartened by the disruption during our Grand Parade. Our team acted according to the security plan we had, which was made under advisement from multiple sources to ensure the safety of everyone. We are grateful that no injuries took place and the rest of the Parade continued safely.
We extend our sincerest apologies to those who were affected by this interruption. It is our priority to ensure that all participants, especially children, feel safe and welcomed during our events.
We remain committed to fostering an environment of respect, understanding and celebration within our Festival community. We truly appreciate the continued support and understanding of all those involved, and we look forward to celebrating our Festival in the coming years.