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…
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,…
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)…
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…
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…
Congratulations to all of our raffle prize winners! Thank you so much to everyone for supporting our festival by purchasing tickets and thank you also to our wonderful sponsors and donors
2023 Marks the 35th 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. This year’s recipients – Elyse Fujii and Monet Gagnon – have shown…
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is honored to announce Kina Grannis as our 2023 Grand Marshal. There will be opportunities to see her in the Grand Parade, experience her performance at the George Yamasaki, Jr. stage (Peace Plaza), and meet her at the Be The Match booth (Peace Plaza Promenade) on Sunday, April 16,…
For the past 36 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. We are inspired by their stories and honor these community heroes. NORIKO KUSUMOTONominated by the San Mateo Japanese American Community Center (SMJACC)…
Sumofish artist and creator, Brandt Fuse, grew up in Hawaii with a love of fishing and anything ocean related. Studying abroad in Japan and working summers at Iconic t-shirt brand Cane Haul Road provided inspiration and life direction. Brandt relocated to the Bay Area in 1998, and after working at Osaki Design in Berkeley went…
