In an effort to remain connected with the Japanese American community and to give insight to the general public of this cultural leadership program, the members of the 2008 Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Court launched this blog site in 2008. As one of the many accomplishments of the 2008 Court, the blog was updated throughout their court year in hopes of adequately expressing their gratitude to the many memorable opportunities and experiences gained through this year-long program. The alumni Court from 2008, along with the succeeding Courts, hope to continue to share with you their cultural heritage experience of community service and leadership. Please visit Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program website and the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival website for more information.
After being able to view many vendors and traditional art displays, the 2010 Cherry Blossom Court is officially introduced to the public in San Francisco’s Japan Town during the 43rd Cherry Blossom Festival.
Court in front of beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements which were on display at the Kabuki Hotel.
Queen Arisa Hiroi is asked to re-cap about program night and the duties that her and her court will fulfill during the upcoming year.
This year marked the 43rd year of San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival is a time to celebrate Japanese traditions and culture within the diverse Japanese-American communities. One particularly unique aspect of the festival is the selection of Cherry Blossom Queen. On April 10th the 2010 Cherry Blossom Queen’s Program was held in San Francisco’s Japan Town at the Kabuki Cinema Theatres. This year’s five candidates were: Arisa Hiroi of San Francisco, Ayae Yamamoto of San Francisco, Kiyomi Tanaka of San Francisco, Corey Fujioka of Fremont and Ashley Nakatani of San Jose.
Queen candidates have for many years had some of the most wonderful sponsors within the community. Without sponsors the queen’s program would not be able to prevail and so throughout the reigning year, the candidates express their gratitude to them whenever they have the opportunity. This year’s sponsors included the Golden Gate Optimists Club of San Francisco, Nikkei Lions Club of San Francisco, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Takara Sake USA Inc., and first time sponsor to the program NikkeiWest.
