SoCal Cherry Blossom(less) Festival

It is perhaps one of the most ironic festivals in L.A.; a cherry blossom festival without any cherry blossoms. The annual event celebrating Japanese and Hawaiian culture takes place in Little Tokyo every April and features a variety of performances and vendors.

This year’s festival, administered under the guidance of the Pasadena Arts Council, honored Don Nakanishi Ph.D, Director and Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies at UCLA with the George Kiriyama Educational Excellence Award. Other education awards were handed out to Southern California area teachers making a difference in their communities and school. The award ceremony was emceed by NBC’s Ted Chen.

But this festival is more than an awards ceremony. Singer/actress Gina Hiraizumi kicked off the festival with the National Anthem, followed by a traditional breaking of the sake barrel by distinguished guests, including Counsel General of Japan Junichi Ihara, Senator Daniel Inouye and Councilwoman Jan Perry.

Gina Hiraizumi poses for a picture with Miss Kimono L.A.

The festival is divided into various sections. The main stage featured performances by a ukelele orchestra, a kimono fashion show, a “Most Photogenic Dog” competition and two performances by Hiraizumi and her band.

Gina Hirazumi performs with her band and special guest Shaun Shimizu.

The Hawaiian section featured a series of hula dancers and Hawaiian musicans. On the J-Pop Stage, there was a cosplay competition (Japanese anime costume) and various anime cover bands. Along 1st Street and in a backlot adjacent to the J-Pop Stage, more than 100 vendors sold goods ranging from food to Japanese knick-knacks. And at the Martial Arts Stage, well, I think you can figure that one out for yourself.

Pamela Moss belts out a tune on the J-Pop Stage with her band Makenai.

Lane Nishikawa’s independent film, “Only the Brave,” screened at the East West Players Theater on San Pedro St. The harrowing tale of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team’s rescue of the 141st Texas Regiment won critical and audience praise throughout the festival. Screening attendees were given a special DVD offer and co-star Hiraizumi offered autographed copies of her swimsuit calendar with the purchase. The movie also stars Tamlyn Tomita, Jason Lee Scott and Pat Morita.

So despite the absence of cherry blossoms, the annual event (a precursor, if you will, to the larger Nisei Week events in August) was well received and a definite must-see attraction.