Profile: Children’s Day Festival
The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) presents Kristi Yamaguchi’s Children’s Day Festival in Japantown to be held on Saturday, May 2nd , at San Francisco’s Japan Center Peace Plaza (Post and Buchanan Street) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
An Olympic figure skating Gold Medalist and World Champion, Kristi Yamaguchi is a deep believer in youth programs. Though she is unable to attend this year due to a prior commitment, Kristi supports the Children’s Day Festival in Japantown as she believes in inspiring and embracing the hopes and dreams of children. “I am disappointed that my family and I won’t be able to attend this year’s festival. We had so much fun when we attended in 2007! I support the
JCCCNC’s efforts to help promote and educate families on the traditions of Children’s Day but most importantly because it gives children an opportunity to participate in the community and celebrate their youth,” said Yamaguchi.
The festival will provide an opportunity for youth to experience Japanese culture and celebrate Children’s Day, a national holiday of Japan. Children can participate in hands-on craft activities, snack on arare popcorn, spam musubi and other treats hosted by organizations such as Asobi Arts, Clarendon Elementary School, the California Highway Patrol, Christ United Presbyterian Church, the JCCCNC, JCCCNC Bambi Parent Group, Japanese Community Youth Council, Nichi Bei Times, Nakayoshi, Nihonmachi Little Friends, Pine United Methodist Church, Rosa Parks JBBP, Sakura of America, St. Ignatius High School and Xperience.
Throughout the day, special children’s entertainment will be provided by ABC Pre School, Gen Taiko/Clarendon Taiko, International Association of Taka Age, JCCCNC Hula, JCCCNC Ukulele Players, Kirakiraboshi Choir, Michiya Hanayagi Dance Group, Nikkei Student Union (UC Berkeley), San Francisco Kendo Association and SambAsia. Children can also meet anime characters like Sailor Moon courtesy of Mr. Tak Onishi and Japan Video and Media.
Traditional Boy’s Day (Tango no Sekku) and Girl’s Day (Hinamatsuri) doll exhibits will be on display from April 22nd to May 4th at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC). Please call for more information if you would like to visit.
The event is supported by The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, The San Francisco Japantown Foundation, Japan Airlines, Comcast and Union Bank of California. Event partners include the Consulate General of Japan, Sakura of America, Sanrio, Inc. and Viz Media.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the festival, contact the JCCCNC at (415) 567-5505, or visit the website at www.jcccnc.org.
