What a year 2020 turned out to be. While we could not come together physically in April, the connections we continue to make online have been a tremendous blessing and source of support. As November arrived, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of our contributors who help us maintain a sense of…
Tune in to our Halloween Cosplay Showcase video, we’re positively thrilled to share it with you! Special thanks to all of our participants for submitting your cosplay photos – we asked you to deliver crafty, comical, rib tickling, and spooky, and oh boy, did you deliver! Thank you everyone for your participation in the 2020…
Thank you for participating in our 2020 Halloween Cosplay Contest! Our team reviewed the cosplay photo entries, and we admire and appreciate the cosplayers’ great attention to detail and creativity in their costumes and props. Narrowing down the entries to the finalists was no easy task, as all of our cosplayers submitted great costume photos.…
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…
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…
** 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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
