The 52nd Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival First Weekend
2019/4/16
On April 13 and 14, the first weekend of the 52nd Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival was held in San Francisco’s Japantown. Deputy Consul General Iryu attended the Opening Ceremony and the Queen Program (Saturday, April 13).
Every year, over 200,000 people attend this two-weekend long event. The Festival will continue on Saturday, April 20, and conclude on Sunday, April 21 with the Grand Parade.
Every year, over 200,000 people attend this two-weekend long event. The Festival will continue on Saturday, April 20, and conclude on Sunday, April 21 with the Grand Parade.
1) Opening Ceremony
Deputy Consul General Iryu delivers his remarks
(L to R) President Tomomichi Saito of JCCNC, SF Mayor London Breed, Deputy Consul General Iryu
On Saturday, April 13, Deputy Consul General Iryu attended the opening ceremony during the first weekend of the 52nd Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival held at the Peace Plaza in San Francisco’s Japantown. Also in attendance were San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Vallie Brown, leaders of the Northern California Japanese and Japanese American Communities, and Japantown Organization representatives.
Sake Cask Opening Ceremony with Deputy Consul General Iryu and community representatives
Toast after the Sake Cask Opening Ceremony
2) Queen Program
Opening performance by candidates
Deputy Consul General Iryu greets the audience
On the evening of Saturday, April 13, Deputy Consul General Iryu attended and gave remarks at the 52nd Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program, held at AMC Kabuki Theater in San Francisco Japantown. Deputy Consul General Iryu commented on the important roles the queen and court play as future leaders and representatives of the Japanese American community. Ms. Yuki Nishimura was crowned the 2019 Cherry Blossom Queen.
The new queen is crowned
Group photo of Deputy Consul General Iryu with the 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court