2023 Nisei Week Court with 2024 Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival Court in front of San Francisco City Hall before the Grand Parade. (Photo courtesy of Nisei Week)
SAN FRANCISCO — Continuing a decades-long tradition, the 2023 Nisei Week Court took part in the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco last weekend.
After attending the Friendship Reception on Friday evening, they toured San Francisco on Saturday with the 2024 Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival Court and 2024 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court. They visited the Japanese Tea Garden, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Painted Ladies that are featured in the TV show “Full House.”
In front of San Francisco City Hall before the Grand Parade: (from left) 2023 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court, 2024 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court, Grand Marshal Hello Kitty, 2024 Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival Court.
A visit to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Top two rows: 2024 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court; middle two rows: 2024 Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival Court; front row: 2023 Nisei Week Court.
They were able to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan-town, participating in a Women’s Leadership Teach-in led by the 2023 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court.
On Sunday, they rode in the Grand Parade along with other dignitaries, including the grand marshal, Hello Kitty, and community marshals Bobby and Ricky Okamura, who until recently ran Benkyodo, Japantown’s popular manju shop.
In August, the Northern California and Hawaii courts will participate in Nisei Week’s coronation and parade in Little Tokyo.