The 56th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Second Weekend
2023/4/18
Consul General Noguchi joins the ceremony
Kagami Biraki Ceremony
On April 15 and 16, the second weekend of the 56th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival was held in San Francisco’s Japantown, and Consul General Noguchi attended the following events. Each of these programs returns for the first time since 2019.
1) Taru Mikoshi Purification Ceremony
On Saturday, April 15, Consul General Noguchi gave remarks and participated in the purification ceremony for the San Francisco Taru Mikoshi, the portable shrine carried in the Grand Parade.
Consul General Noguchi presents an award
Consul General Noguchi with honorees, speakers, and program organizers
2) Senior Appreciation Brunch
On Sunday, April 16, Consul General Noguchi attended the Senior Appreciation Brunch which honors senior citizens and their contributions to the Japanese American community. During the program, Consul General Noguchi gave remarks and presented a special award to 16 individuals recognized from 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Consul General and Mrs. Noguchi in the Parade
Commemorative photo at City Hall before the Parade
3) Grand Parade
On Sunday, April 16, Consul General and Mrs. Noguchi, and Consulate staff with their families participated in the Grand Parade of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. The Parade is the finale to the Festival and travels between San Francisco’s City Hall and Japantown. Around 40 Japan-related cultural organizations and community representatives participated in this year’s parade.
The Consulate’s contingent marches in the parade
The Taru mikoshi concludes the 56th NCCBF Parade
