Buena Park was the scene of sun and celebrating spring on April 11 and 12 as Monterey Park hosted hundreds of visitors to its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
The free cultural arts event strives to provide a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and community support, all flavored with a bit of the Japanese and Japanese American culture.
Monterey Park began holding a Cherry Blossom Festival in the early 1970s. Discontinued shortly after, it was resurrected by a group of community volunteers in 1997. Their efforts resulted in the successful re-establishment of the festival in April 1998.
The 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Committee was chaired by Karen Ogawa. The committee extended its deepest appreciation to Margaret Endo for her 26 years of dedication to and support of the festival.
Participants in the opening ceremony included Irene Cruz of ABC 7, Mayor Elizabeth Yang and other city officials.
Performances on the Field Stage:
Saturday — Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church Japanese School Taiko Group; Kimono Fashion Show by Ken Kanesaka; Yuujou Daiko; Hālau Hula Moaniʻaʻala Anuhea; David Torres Kempo Karate; Bando Hidesomi; Koshin Taiko; SGV Youth Symphony; Magic Wayne; Industry Sheriff’s Kendo Dojo; Kokoro (band)
Sunday — Moe Age! from Asayoru Maid Cafe; Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko; L.A. Wushu Club Martial Arts Team; Kizuna Taiko; Azuma Kotobuki Kai; Akaoni Daiko; Phyllis Chang (singer); TaikoProject Academy; Ohana Polynesian Dancers; ABAsonics (band)
Performances on the City Hall Council Chambers Stage:
Saturday — Sunny and Judy Seki (folk tales and stories); “Cruising J-Town” with authors Oliver Wang and Nadine Sachiko Hsu; Nippon Minyo Kyokai by Kotobuki no Kai; Kyo no Kai (traditional Japanese dance); ikebana demonstration by Ikebana Lessons; storytime by Judy Li; Ryujin Taiko; vocal sounds by Gary Jung; Michelle MaliZaki (comedian); Maid Academy Cafe; Zen brush demonstration by Susan Perry
Sunday — Zen brush demonstration by Susan Perry; ikebana demonstration by Ikebana Lessons; manju demonstration by Brian Kito of Fugetsu-do; Stephanie Yanez (J-pop and anime music); Little Stars Band from Math Clinic Corps; Urasenke School (tea ceremony); traditional shamisen music; origami demonstration by Michael Sanders; Calvin Yoshitake (magician); Strawberry Sunday and Moe Age! from Asayoru Maid Cafe
DJ Rodney Durand and DJ Dais performed both days.
The festival also offered a variety of food and drink, games for kids, arts and crafts, and community information tables.
