Cherry Blossom festival retuns to San Francisco

Despite gale force winds one week and sweltering heat the next, the city was still graced with cherry blossoms for the 2009 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival held April 11, 12, 18 and 19 in Japantown.

Now in its 42nd year, the festival is a fusion of traditional and modern, Japanese and Japanese-American arts and culture and draws crowds of more than 200,000. What began as community celebration of cultural heritage now includes corporate sponsorship and merchants, while still honoring community and nonprofit organizations. Participants represent not just the local Japanese American community, but communities from all over the nation, as well as Japan and South America.

Demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts from tea ceremony and origami to washi ningyo (paper dolls) and ikebana (flower arrangement) are featured alongside modern media arts, such as manga and anime. The Many Faces of Manga exhibit, at the Japanese American Historical Society includes a discussion about the comic book phenomena that has an international cult following. This year, there was even a Sailor Moon Musical, as well as an anime costume contest and talent show. The exhibit is open through June.

Still, there is never a lack of more traditional Japanese attire to be seen. Kimono-clad dancers perform time-honored folk and classical Japanese dance on both weekends. Martial arts demonstrations from karate to kendo also could be found throughout the festival. Musical events range from the ancient sounds of koto and shakuhachi (flute) performances to folk singing and a karaoke song festival. Though The U.S./Japan Taiko Festival is always a sold-out venue, taiko (Japanese drum) groups from all over perform for free on the Peace Plaza stage. The music on the Webster Street stage however, is all American, Asian American that is. Performances include everything from rock and alternative to R&B and island beats.

Still considered to be a Japanese American celebration, over the years, the festival has become multi-cultural, particularly in the arts and crafts offered by vendors and the community food booths. One can find Asian-inspired jewelry, handbags and clothing, as well as cards, candles and wind chimes. While Japanese snacks such as yakisoba (fried noodles) and andagi (Okinawan donuts) are always popular, Kimochi Inc.’s barbeque teriyaki burgers have become a modern tradition at the festival. SPAM musubi, sushi rice wrapped in seaweed, topped with a slice of SPAM (yes, SPAM) cooked in teriyaki sauce and Hawaiian shaved ice are also favorite Japanese American street fair fare.

The Cherry Blossom Queen pageant has endured over the years. Young women of Japanese American heritage from all over the Bay Area showcase their talents in poise and articulation, as well as Japanese culture and arts. In the politically correct 80s, the pageant was dropped and replaced with a scholarship competition. But by popular demand, the pageant was brought back with the scholarship program remaining, as well. Eri Tagaya of Mill Valley was crowned 2009 Cherry Blossom Queen, with Sarah Kasuga of Burlingame named First Princess. Margaret Cheney, Stephanie Hata, Mari Masuko and Yurika Vu are included in the 2009 Cherry Blossom Court.

Still, the highlight of two-week celebration is The Grand Parade held on the last day of the festival. This year’s Grand Marshall was actor and activist, George Takai, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the “Star Trek” television and film series. Currently, Takei has a recurring role in the hit drama, “Heroes.” In addition to serving on theatre, museum and community boards, Takei is a member of the Human Rights Campaign, serving as a spokesperson.

The Cherry Blossom Festival culminates with the parade winding through the streets of San Francisco from city hall to Japantown. In addition to colorful floats, this year’s participants included dancers, Japanese American veteran groups, Boy scouts, Girl scouts, schools, bands and community groups from all over the state. Yasumasa Nagamine, the Consul General of Japan; Public Defender Jeff Adachi; Police Chief Heather Fong; Senator Leland Yee and other dignitaries waved to the crowd, but for the younger set, it was all about Hello Kitty.

The Mikoshi, a portable Shinto shrine serving as a vehicle for the divine spirit is always the finale of the parade. Carried on the shoulders of community members, the heavy shrine is jostled through the streets accompanied by chants, shouts and whistling, bestowing blessings on all.