The 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Second Weekend
2024/5/1
Guests from Okinawa perform
Consul General & Mrs. Osumi with guests from Japan and others
On April 20 and 21, the second weekend of the 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival was held in San Francisco’s Japantown. Consul General Osumi attended the following events.
1. Friendship Reception
On Friday, April 19, Consul General and Mrs. Osumi attended the Friendship Reception, a welcome reception for Festival performers and guests visiting from Japan and outside Northern California. The Consul General gave remarks, commenting on the good will fostered by the Festival.
Consul General gives remarks
Toast among participants
2. Taru Mikoshi Purification Ceremony
On Saturday, April 20, Consul General Osumi attended a purification ceremony for the San Francisco Taru Mikoshi, the portable shrine carried in the Grand Parade.
Consul General Osumi presents an award
Consul General with honorees and MC
3. Senior Appreciation Brunch
On Sunday, April 21, Consul General and Mrs. Osumi attended the annual Senior Appreciation Brunch which honors senior citizen volunteers and their contributions to the Japanese American community. During the ceremony, Consul General Osumi presented a special award to the three individuals and one organization.
Consul General and Mrs. Osumi in the Parade
Commemorative photo at City Hall
4. Grand Parade
On Sunday, April 21, Consul General and Mrs. Osumi, 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. Over 40 Japan-related cultural organizations and community representatives participated in this year’s parade.
The Consulate contingent marches in the parade
The Taru Mikoshi concludes the 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
