The 50th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Event Report (April 8-16)
2017/4/17
Consul General Yamada delivers his speech
Group photo with this year’s Queen and her court
On Saturday, April 8, Sunday, April 9, Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, Consul General Yamada and officials of his office attended official programs of the 50th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival held in San Francisco’s Japantown.
The Consulate General of Japan held an information booth on all days of the festival and held a number of cultural programs including Osaka-style Rakugo performances, the third “Sakura Classic” Kendama Contest, a Sake Tasting Area, and film screenings at the Cherry Blossom Film Festival. More information on these programs here: rakugo and other programs.
The Consulate General of Japan held an information booth on all days of the festival and held a number of cultural programs including Osaka-style Rakugo performances, the third “Sakura Classic” Kendama Contest, a Sake Tasting Area, and film screenings at the Cherry Blossom Film Festival. More information on these programs here: rakugo and other programs.
1. Cherry Blossom Queen Program (4/8)
Consul General Yamada gave a greeting at the beginning of the program, congratulating all of this year’s participants for their commitment and commented on the important roles they will play both in their community and between Japan and the United States. Ms. Jacquelyn Kimiko Chew was crowned the 50th Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen.2. 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration (4/14)
Greetings from Consul General Yamada
Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony
The Consul General attended and gave remarks at the 50th Anniversary Gala, which celebrated the 50 years of history of the festival and encouraged international and intercultural exchange and understanding between the US and Japan.
3. Mikoshi Purification Ceremony (4/15)
Deputy Consul General Nagayoshi participates in the ceremony
Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony
Deputy Consul General Nagayoshi attended a purification ceremony for the San Francsisco Taru Mikoshi, the traditional finale of the Grand Parade.
4. Senior Appreciation Brunch (4/16)
Consul General Yamada presents an award to a recipient
Group photo with the 2017 Senior Appreciation Brunch Honorees
Consul General Yamada attended the Senior Appreciation Brunch which honors senior citizens and their contributions to the Japanese American Community. During the Ceremony, Consul General Yamada presented a special award to the 8 honorees.
5. Grand Parade (4/16)
Consul General Yamada with SF Mayor Edwin Lee, Mrs. Lee, and the 2016 and 2017 Northern California Cherry Blossom Queens and Courts
Consul General Yamada in the parade
Consul General Yamada, along with Consulate staff and their families, participated in the finale of the 50th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, the Grand Parade, and expressed gratitude to the Japanese American Community and the citizens of San Francisco.
