The 55th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival First Weekend
2022/4/12
On April 9 and 10, the first weekend of the 55th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival was held in San Francisco’s Japantown. This was the first time this event has been held in-person since 2019. Consul General Kawamura joined the celebration, participating in the day’s events.
The Festival will continue on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17
The Festival will continue on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17
1) Opening Ceremony
Group photo of the Opening Ceremony participants
Consul General Kawamura gives remarks
On Saturday, April 9, the opening ceremony of the 55th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival was held in San Francisco Japantown’s Peace Plaza. Consul General Kawamura joined the ceremony along with San Francisco Mayor London Breed, District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, leaders of the Northern California Japanese and Japanese American Communities, and Japantown Organization representatives.
The Consul General gave remarks commending the strength of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressing gratitude for the festival’s return as in-person event.
The Consul General gave remarks commending the strength of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressing gratitude for the festival’s return as in-person event.
Opening Remarks from Mayor Breed
Remarks by Supervisor Preston
Welcome remarks from NCCBF Co-Chairs Quillan Rusky and Matt Nagatomi
Kagami Biraki ceremony
2) Queen Program
Stephanie Doi is crowned the 2022 Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen
Queen and Court with Consul General Kawamura
On the evening of Saturday, April 9, the festival’s Queen Program was held at AMC Kabuki Theater. Consul General Kawamura attended, commenting on the Queen and Court’s role in strengthening community and cultural relations between Japan, Northern California, and the Japanese American community. Ms. Stephanie Doi was crowned the 2022 Cherry Blossom Queen.