2010 Northern California Cherry Blossom Court Blog

Queen Arisa greeted the Japan Self-Defense Navy as they docked into San Francisco’s pier.

“5 STRONG” went to San Francisco’s AT&T Park to participate in the 2nd Japanese Heritage Night sake tasting festival. Before the game begun, cultural performers such as Taiko drummers warmed up the stadium with entertainment on the field. Shortly after, dressed in yukata with our crowns and sash, we took the mic and offered the Giants a little good luck of our own in Japanese. After our “Gammmbbbaattteee!!,” we headed up to grab some food and headed to our seats to watch the game.

In recognition of Japan’s national holiday, Kodomo No Hi, the JCCCNC hosted their Children’s Day Festival in Japantown. There was live entertainment, food and hands-on craft activities for children. “5 Strong” was in charge of a drawing contest in which children drew the Kaiwo Maru ship.

In 1976 the City of San Jose began to encourage local communities to share their ethnic cultures and backgrounds. This was a result of America’s Bicentennial celebration and as a result the Japanese-American community created the Nikkei Matsuri Festival. Since then it has grown to one of the largest in Japan Town. Nikkei Matsuri is always held in the heart of San Jose’s Japan Town, and it has been very successful in sharing and perpetuating Japanese-American heritage.

On Sunday April 25, 2010 the Northern California Cherry Blossom Court traveled to San Jose to attend the 33rd annual Nikkei Matsuri. Although not all court members were able to attend, Arisa, Corey, and Ashley were there bright and early to represent their communities, visit local organizations and help guide people at the information booth. There were an abundance of entertainment groups including a Chidori Band, Taiko Drumming, Koto, Classical Dancing, CYS Dancers, and an Iaido Demonstration. Additionally there were many arts and crafts vendors and cultural displays such as Ikebana arrangements, Bonsai, Suiseki, and Shodo. Of course the huge varieties of food-booths run by local organizations all joined together to share the Japanese-American culture.

The Court started off with a self-introduction on the festival’s main stage and then headed to the Buddhist Church gymnasium to explore the many cultural displays and meet the Sensei’s who were behind the masterpieces. They then headed the Yu-Ai-Kai Senior Center’s health fair, Suzume No Gakko’s children’s art area. They then ended at the Information Booth in which they contributed by assisting people with information about vendors and activities. The end of their day was satisfied by making their way to the food booths and enjoying a bite of the local delicacies!

The 2010 Court traveled to Cupertino to attend the 27th Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival which celebrates sister city relationship between Cupertino and Toyokawa City, Aichi, Japan. There were vendors and art exhibits the featured Japanese customs, live performances, and an abundance of delicious foods.

Princess Ayae and Corey writing their names in Kanji and Katakana.

With a very early morning start the NCCB Court got dressed into Furisode Kimono and attended a Senior Appreciation Brunch which recognized several of our most active and influential seniors in the community. Queen Arisa Hiroi and 1st Princess Ashley Nakatani gave a brief speech congratulating the nominated community members and recognizing their hard work. With the day starting off surrounded by so many active community members we were enthused to be invited to attend this event.

Queen Arisa Hiroi gives a brief speech congratulating this year's recognized seniors.

Soon it was time for the Grand Parade where the girls excitedly sat in their places on their designated floats. The NCCBC was lucky to be hosted by the float of Japan Airlines (JAL). Seeing so many friends and family watch the parade even outside of Japan Town was a fantastic sight. We were all able to share a little piece of the Japanese culture that united our communities. When we slowly made our way down Post St. towards Japan Town we were ecstatic to see so many people in the crowds. The many vendor and participants at the event made the festival even more special and really highlighted San Francisco’s Japan Town.

The Queen and her Court on the JAL float.

The 2010 NCCBC hosted their sister cities to a weekend of fun sightseeing in San Francisco. Saturday was a blast and it is all thanks to the hospitality committee who made the whole weekend such a delightful experience. The girls loaded onto a huge bus and got to see all that San Francisco had to offer. Some of the famous stops included the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Painted Ladies, and Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory.

Posing in front of the Painted Ladies in SF.

When we returned back to Japan Town we were gracious to find a dinner party hosted by the 2009 NCCB Court waiting for us. It was Extravagant; everything from the decorations to the place settings was beautiful. And of course, you guessed it, the food was unbelievable! We shared the evening together with a delicious feast, a slideshow presentation from our 2009 Court and omiyage exchange. What a way to end the day, with a new group of sisters and the amazing committee who made it all possible. But hold on, the weekend wasn’t over yet. Stuffed with food and dessert we rolled our way back to our rooms to prepare for Grand Parade.

Can you believe this is a cake?? It's too pretty to eat!

The 2009 Court who hosted our wonderful friendship dinner.

“5 Strong,” along with their sisters from Hawaii, Seattle, and Los Angeles, met at the Consul General’s home in San Francisco and greeted visiting guests.

Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine and Mrs. Nagamine with the 2010 Court.

Queen Arisa Hiroi and her court greeting guests.

Consul General, his lovely wife, visiting sister cities and 2010 SF Cout.

Courts from LA, Seattle, and Hawaii joined “5 Strong” at the Friendship Reception welcoming those from Japan who came to participate in the 43rd Cherry Blossom Festival.

Queens and their courts being introduced on stage during the Friendship Reception.

Among all the delicious food was soba noodles prepared from scratch right before our eyes!

Visitors from Japan performing during the reception.