Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program

Home
United States
San Francisco, CA
Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program

A leadership and cultural program for young women becoming or already involved in the Northern Califo

The Queen Program focuses on community service, leadership, and cultural education. Every April, a group of young women is selected to represent the Japanese American community for a year as cultural ambassadors. On Queen Program Night, candidates showcase their speech, interview, and creative expression. This tradition has become one of the main events during the annual Northern California Cherry

Blossom Festival. Over the course of a year, the court will volunteer with local community events and organizations, building a foundation for life-long involvement in the community. They will travel to our long standing connections in Los Angeles and Hawai'i. The Queen will also have the opportunity to travel to Japan. Through public speaking, networking, and community service, the court will develop professional and leadership skills. Japanese American culture and history education is also an essential part of this program. For many, this will be the only opportunity in their lifetime to wear a traditional furisode kimono.

06/12/2026

We were honored to attend the annual community memorial service at the Japanese Cemetery in Colma to pay our respects to those who came before us and to offer flowers in remembrance.

The Japanese Cemetery in Colma holds a special place in the history of the Japanese American community. It serves as a resting place for generations of individuals whose lives, contributions, and sacrifices helped shape our community today.

We remember and honor those who have passed, and we express our gratitude for the legacy they leave behind 🌸

05/23/2026

We had so much fun at the JCCNC Kodomo No Hi Children’s Day Festival earlier this month! It was great to see so many impressive, amazing youth artists drawing what they wanted to be when they grow up. We had the honor of selecting winners of the art contest. Thank you to everyone who attended! 🎏🌸🎨

05/21/2026

Nikkei Matsuri 2026 Recap 🌸

From delicious food booths to plethora of arts and crafts booths, the Court had such a wonderful time spending the day at San Jose Japantown’s 48th Annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival! Huge shoutout to San Jose Taiko for leading such a lively introduction through Japantown, followed by a dance break with the Lotus Preschool students during the Westley Jazz Ensemble performance.

For Princess Natalie Decena, a former Lotus Preschool student, it was especially meaningful to witness Lynne Yamaichi recognized for her years of dedication and care for the San Jose Japantown community and beyond. Congratulations on such a well-deserved honor!

The Court also had the opportunity to visit JAMsj and enjoy a special tour of their current rotating exhibit. Thank you to Vanessa for the thoughtful tour and for sponsoring Princess Natalie.

We’re also grateful for our longtime Queen Program supporters, Kayoko Designs and Smiley at Ukulele Source, whose generosity continues to support the Court year after year. Thank you to Kayoko Designs for the treasured pendants gifted to generations of Court members and alumni, and to Ukulele Source for generously gifting us ukuleles.

These shared moments are impossible without each individual heart which contribute to this enduring tradition!

Special thanks to:
🌸 Nikkei Traditions
🌸 Denise & everyone at the info booth
🌸All of the volunteers who helped make the weekend so special! 📸:

05/06/2026

So honored to have been a part of the NCCBF parade and celebrate the SF Japantown community! Big shout out to Hiroko for dressing us in furisode (provided by the Fujiyasu Kimono Company) and Ethel .the.look for doing our hair and makeup. Thank you to everyone who came to support! 🌸🎉👘

📸:

05/05/2026

Took a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge 🌉🌸

Doing the “I’m not cute anymore” trend, NorCal style 🫶

04/27/2026

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Week 1 ✨🌸

The 2026 Court had an amazing time exploring Japantown businesses and visiting the festival’s cultural exhibits during our festival walk around!

A heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, and community members who continue to support the festival and the Queen Program. We feel so lucky to be surrounded by such a kind and supportive community🫶

Special thanks to:
Hotel Enso
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
Taru Mikoshi Ren
Miseki Jewelry .sf
Chato
Sou Sou San Francisco
Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Ethel .the.look
Hiroko Sensei

📷Kevin Frates .f1199

04/07/2026

🌸 Congratulations to the 2026 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Court 🌸

Queen Kristina Michiko Hiraishi
First Princess Kaitlin Keiko Wong
Princess Natalie Tokiwa Decena
Princess Emi Terada
Princess Julia Kirari Obuchi

We are so proud of you and excited for your year ahead! 💙

📸 Dominic Wong

04/03/2026

For decades, Miseki Jewelry has graciously donated the First Princess pendant for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, creating a piece each year that is both timeless and uniquely meaningful. Their continued dedication and craftsmanship have become a cherished tradition within our community.

We are sincerely grateful to Miseki Jewelry for this stunning pendant awarded to First Princess Terra-Lynn in celebration of the 58th Annual Festival. It is truly an honor to wear a piece that reflects such elegance, artistry, and intention. 🌸

04/02/2026

Thank you to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California for supporting Princess Risa and the Queen Program as a Candidate Sponsor! 👸🌸

We value their dedication to the Japanese American community and uplifting female leaders. Their generosity has allowed the Queen Program to continue developing the next generation of leaders in our community. 🎌🎉

We are filled with gratitude for their long-standing support and are honored to continue to volunteer at their events.

📸: Shinji Yoshida

Address

1830 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA
94115-3206

Website

http://www.nccbfqueenprogram.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in San Francisco?