The 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival First Weekend

On April 13 and 14, Saturday and Sunday, the first weekend of the 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (NCCBF) was held in San Francisco Japantown. Consul General Osumi joined the opening ceremony on April 13, commenting on the significance of NCCBF for Japantown and the Japanese and Japanese American community of Northern California. California State Senator Scott Wiener, San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCCNC) Board President Kazuhiro Gomi, 2024 NCCBF Co-Chairs Matt Nagatomi and Yuki Nishimura, and others also gave remarks. Speakers and other dignitaries participated in a Kagami Biraki (sake cask opening) ceremony.
 
Following the opening ceremony, Consul General Osumi toured the festival, visiting various booths and businesses throughout Japantown, observing cultural displays and performances, and greeting attendees enjoying the festival. The Consulate provided visitors with information on Expo 2025, travel in Japan, the JET Program, and studying in Japan at its booth.
 
For more information on NCCBF, please see the festival’s website: www.nccbf.org