2020 Halloween Cosplay Contest is live!
We missed our cosplay parade this year, so we want to showcase our cosplayer community! Let’s celebrate Halloween virtually this year by showing off your crafty, comical, rib-tickling, or spooky spirit in our Halloween Cosplay Contest! This contest is open to all ages. We can’t wait to see your Halloween costume photo submission. The deadline […]
Visit Japantown for Outdoor Dining
Updated on February 16, 2021 As the days get longer and warmer, what better time to enjoy some socially-distanced outdoor dining? Japantown boasts some of the best multicultural dining experiences in San Francisco, offering something that will please everyone. Each dining location rigorously follows San Francisco City’s health and safety protocols, so you know your […]
Picnic at the Plaza Continues!
** Update on 10/31/2020: The Picnic at the Plaza has been extended to November 29. ** by Michelle Heckert Through rain, a heatwave and uncertain air quality, The Center’s Picnic at the Plaza has brought new life to San Francisco’s Japantown and its businesses! Since July, the event has allowed thousands of foodies to experience […]
2020 Senior Appreciation Honorees
For the past 33 years, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival has thanked seniors in the local Japanese American community for their volunteer services. Each year, honorees are nominated by local community organizations. Although this year we were unable to celebrate these remarkable individuals at the Senior Appreciation Brunch, we would like to recognize them […]
5 Things I Wish I had Known Before Climbing Mount Fuji
A Beginner’s Guide by Yuki Nishimura In the early summer days of 2018, my friends and I were making plans for our Japan trip scheduled for later that summer. One of my more adventurous friends proposed summiting Mount Fuji, but another in my group felt apprehensive about climbing a mountain because it was something she […]
2019 Senior Appreciation Brunch
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival’s Senior Appreciation Brunch started 30 years ago to thank seniors in the local Japanese American community for their volunteer services. Each year, honorees are nominated by senior centers and receive certificates of commendation from elected officials. Following the brunch, they are recognized at the Peace Plaza Stage for their […]
Refresh Your Style (and Closet) with Japanese- and Asian-inspired Apparel
One of the delightful sights of the NCCBF is observing everyone’s fashion. Every year, our fellow festival-goers inspire us with the wide-range of clothing from the traditional and formal kimono or hakama, to the casual yukata and jinbei on warmer days, to modern prints and anime-inspired outfits. As we get inspired roaming the festival grounds, […]
Hope & Prayers for 2020
Each year, the Washi Ningyo Japanese Paper Dolls Group selects a special theme for their dolls to be showcased at the Cherry Blossom Festival. The dolls are intricate, gorgeous, and entirely handmade! One of the groups leaders, Yurie Nakamura, shared the following message this year: “I think it is great that the committee is able […]
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!
An Invitation to Share your Stories from the Asian Pacific American Heritage Foundation Asian Pacific Americans are living through an extraordinary time as the community is not only facing the challenges of the pandemic, but also a rising tide of anti-Asian hate and violence. APA Heritage Month provides a timely opportunity for this diverse community […]
Remembering Toyomi Tanaka
This past December, the NCCBF Organizing Committee and community were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and dedicated member, Toyomi Tanaka. As part of the NCCBF Japan Groups Committee, Toyomi san helped coordinate artists from Japan to perform in the final weekend of the NCCBF. The group’s efforts enrich the Festival’s […]