San Francisco’s 59th annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival brought cultural showcases, food, and festivities to the streets of Japantown this weekend. The festival spanned several blocks and also featured some indoor exhibits. Participants were able to experience many aspects of Japanese culture through traditional performances, culinary dishes, art, and displays.
On Sunday, despite the pouring rain, hundreds showed up to the festival. People of all ages and cultures socialized across the venues, stands, performances, and food stations.
Performances highlighting Japanese culture kicked off the event. The Theater of Yugen, a Japanese production group, performed a comedic skit about tasting sweet honey, believing it was poison. Oshiro Karate Dojo displayed martial arts, demonstrating sharp, crisp movements.
“It’s great to see the students out and performing. Different people come and really shine in the performance, and the kids are always fun. Even people I’ve been practicing with for a long time, it’s kind of a treat to watch them perform,” Oshiro Karate Dojo instructor Sonya Chang said.
A traditional Japanese dance from Nijikko Dance School followed, with performers of all ages capturing the audience’s attention with graceful, fluid movements. All of the performers were draped in colorful kimonos and sashes. The martial artists wielded staffs and daggers, while dancers wore traditional hats and headdresses.
Another major aspect of the festival was the food. Many food trucks offered both sweet and savory dishes like teriyaki burgers, meat skewers, pancakes, Japanese hotdogs, shaved ice, Korean donuts, fried oreos, gyoza, spam musubi, and butter mochi. Some stands also sold drinks, such as slushies, beer, and soft drinks. Many of the food trucks were raising money for different causes, including the Lions Club and Rosa Parks Elementary School.
“I enjoyed eating all the snacks. I had red bean pancakes for the first time today. They’re very delicious, fresh off the oven,” festival attendee Kalea Pasion said.
Stands ranging from community service organizations to local artisans and interactive games lined the streets. “I’m a big fan of all the art in the area. Seeing the artisans and the screen printing has been cool. The kimono-inspired jewelry was also really awesome,” Pasion said.
Other organizations like the Aquarium of the Bay, Physicians Organizing Committee, and a Japan study abroad program were promoting themselves and seeking to grow their volunteer communities.
In the Children’s Cherry Blossom Village, families colored, completed scavenger hunts, made cultural crafts, and played carnival games like ring toss and fishing for ducks. All of the proceeds from the tickets for the children’s games went directly to the organizations and schools who were participating.
In the 59th year of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the popular event has continued its legacy of bringing the San Francisco and Japantown communities together in joy and respect. By visiting, volunteering, or even performing, thousands of people have come each year to celebrate Japanese culture over the course of two weekends. “I want to get more involved with the community and meet people, find new interests and hobbies,” volunteer Jason Lin said.
This upcoming weekend, the event organizers will host the final days of the festival on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 11:00 a.m to 5 p.m.
