Cherry blossoms, known as Sakura in Japanese, hold an aesthetic and spiritual significance for the Japanese—a symbol of life and its ephemeral beauty. The delicate flower has been memorialized in poetry and literature, and has come to symbolize Japan itself.
One of the most important aspects of the cherry blossom, however, is not what it is, but when. The Japanese see the arrival of the blossoms as a harbinger of spring, and the Japanese financial and school years begin around the same time that the flowers make their appearance. They pay special attention to the "Cherry-Blossom Front," as the blooming begins in Okinawa at the southernmost part of Japan, and travels northwards along the island chain throughout the spring.
In San Francisco, however, the appearance of the pink and white flowers takes on added significance, allowing members of the largest Japantown in the country to celebrate their heritage in what has become an annual event, known as the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.
Bay Area residents in search of a sampling of Japanese culture should have no problem finding it at the Festival, now in its 39th year.
The Festival spans two weekends, featuring a street fair, complete with food, arts, crafts, and performances, as well as several special events.
First on the list of big events, held on April 15, is the Cherry Blossom Queen Program, a court of six women, one of which will become the Queen, who serves as a representative of the Northern California Japanese American community, participating in other events and visiting Japan.
One of the major draws is the U.S. and Japan Taiko Festival, which will take place on Saturday, April 22, and sells out every year. Taiko is a form of ensemble drumming, based in traditional Japanese drumming, which has become increasingly popular around the world. The performance will be held in the AMC Kabuki Theater, with an entrance fee of $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors.
Closing the Festival on April 23 is the Grand Parade, which will run from City Hall to Japantown and will feature performers from Japan, as well as California. Groups and floats from the community will comprise the procession, to be followed by the Taru Mikoshi, a sort of portable barrel-shaped shrine, which will be pulled along by over 100 people.
For more information, including a schedule, visit www.nccbf.org .
Location: San Francisco Japantown, along Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore.
Times: April 15 and 16, and April 22 and 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for special events taking place in the evening until 10 p.m.
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