April 2019 marked the 32nd year of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Community Service Scholarship Program for graduating seniors of Japanese descent. Administered by the San Francisco Nikkei Lions Club, the program awards two $2,500 scholarships to deserving high school graduates going to college. Applicants were required to attend an accredited high school with a…
Whether you’ve been a photographer for a few months or many years, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival invites you to photograph or vlog the event! The Festival is entirely volunteer-run, which includes our photographers. We would deeply appreciate it if you would join our team. We sincerely want you to come and enjoy your…
Hello! NCCBF Scavenger Hunt Committee here and we wanted to teach you how to play the Scavenger Hunt games. First off, what is the NCCBF Scavenger Hunt? Officially, we are the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Scavenger Hunt (wow! That’s a mouthful). We are exclusive to the Festival in that we help you discover all…
Matt Nagatomi became the Co-Chair of the Logistics Committee for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (NCCBF) in 2012, but he first started volunteering in 2007 through the Japanese Community Youth Council. The program allowed him to volunteer at many events throughout the year and each offered a different experience to connect with the community.…
Minran Zhang designed the main artwork for the 2018 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival poster, program booklet cover, and the banner. Minran was pursuing her M.A. in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia when she created the original piece. To our great fortune, her beautiful artwork landed in the…
Tsukino Mari, aka Sailor Moon, has been performing for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival audience since 2005. “[She] wanted to be part of the very first cosplay parade in the United States and to also attract more people to the beautiful Japantown.” A natural at engaging with people who love Japan, Mari loves helping…
Visitors of the 2017 and 2018 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival may be familiar with the works of Mike Oshite, or Doggy Style Factory, who created the designs for Sakura 360. Originally from Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, Mike moved to San Francisco in 1994 with the hopes of joining the George Lucas studio. Learn about his process and…
On behalf of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (NCCBF) Executive Committee, we are excited to announce the dates for our 52nd annual event! The Festival will be held on April 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st, 2019. We will have all of your favorite programs and attractions including the NCCBF Queen Program on April 13th…
This marks the 31st year of the Cherry Blossom Community Service Scholarship Program for graduating seniors of Japanese descent in Northern California. Administered by the San Francisco Nikkei Lions Club, the program awards two $2,500 scholarships to deserving high school graduates going to college. Winners will participate in various Festival activities, including the Opening Ceremony…
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…
