Cultural Programs
The very first Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival took place in late March of 1968 right after the opening of the Japan Trade Center (now Japan Center Malls), and we are grateful for the many local community groups who came together in a spirit of unity to contribute their cultural crafts. Over five decades later, the Festival has grown to encompass the many facets of traditional and contemporary Japanese and Japanese American culture, and now takes place during the two middle weekends of April. Learn more about our cultural programs that take place over the course of the Festival’s two weekends.
Bonsai 盆栽 & Suiseki 水石
Miniature Japanese trees, natural stone artwork and appreciation The art form of bonsai captures the grandeur and beauty of nature on a reduced scale, producing miniature trees and plants. Similarly, naturally occurring and expressive stones that are categorized as suiseki are used to create landscapes like mountains and waterfalls. The Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibit has…
Chanoyu 茶の湯
Way of Tea CHA-NO-YU (literally, hot water for tea), or SA-DÔ (also CHA-DÔ, the Way of Tea), is one of the most highly refined traditional arts of Japan. It has been an important influence on Japanese architecture, landscape gardening, ceramics, and floral arts. Chanoyu has also shaped many of the artistic values and social etiquette…
Dance 踊り
Experience contemporary and traditional styles of odori (Japanese dance) on the Japantown Peace Plaza Stage, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC/the Center) Stage, and the Grand Parade! The variety of odori is specific to different Japanese regions and festivals, like Awa Odori and Bon Odori. Some dance groups are performing ensemble…
Dogs 犬 & Exhibits at the Center
The Festival is honored to invite Akita and Shiba to participate in informational meet and greet booths and to stroll with their owners in the Grand Parade. The Akita and Shiba club members bring their beloved dogs to meet each other and to receive a lot of attention and petting! We hope that you enjoy…
Doll Making 人形
Washi Ningyo, Mataro Dolls Washi Ningyo 和紙人形 (3D Japanese Paper Dolls) Favored by girls in Japan since the early 1500’s, Washi Ningyo (3D Japanese paper dolls) originated from a paper doll called Anesama Ningyo (flat dolls). You can learn Japanese culture and history as you make the doll by hand, using special Japanese Washi paper…
Bonsai 盆栽 & Suiseki 水石
Miniature Japanese trees, natural stone artwork and appreciation The art form of bonsai captures the grandeur and beauty of nature on a reduced scale, producing miniature trees and plants. Similarly, naturally occurring and expressive stones that are categorized as suiseki are used to create landscapes like mountains and waterfalls. The Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibit has…
Chanoyu 茶の湯
Way of Tea CHA-NO-YU (literally, hot water for tea), or SA-DÔ (also CHA-DÔ, the Way of Tea), is one of the most highly refined traditional arts of Japan. It has been an important influence on Japanese architecture, landscape gardening, ceramics, and floral arts.
Dance 踊り
Experience contemporary and traditional styles of odori (Japanese dance) on the Japantown Peace Plaza Stage, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC/the Center) Stage, and the Grand Parade! The variety of odori is specific to different Japanese regions and festivals, like Awa Odori and Bon Odori.
Dogs 犬 & Exhibits at The Center
The Festival is honored to invite Akita and Shiba to participate in informational meet and greet booths and to stroll with their owners in the Grand Parade. The Akita and Shiba club members bring their beloved dogs to meet each other and to receive a lot of attention and petting! We hope that you enjoy…
Doll Making 人形
Washi Ningyo, Mataro Dolls Washi Ningyo 和紙人形 (3D Japanese Paper Dolls) Favored by girls in Japan since the early 1500’s, Washi Ningyo (3D Japanese paper dolls) originated from a paper doll called Anesama Ningyo (flat dolls). You can learn Japanese culture and history as you make the doll by hand, using special Japanese Washi paper.
