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Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival: A Comprehensive Celebration of Japanese Culture

Situated just west of San Jose in the shadows of the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, is your next dream vacation destination: Cupertino, California. The city has roots that date back to the late 1800’s, when the city was known as West Side and settlers were just beginning to realize how fertile the area was for agriculture and farming. The population and economy of the area grew slowly and steadily through the first half of the 20th century. After WWII, the area saw a massive population explosion and the city was incorporated in 1955, becoming the 13th city in Santa Clara County. Cupertino is still a fertile agricultural center, but it's also a hub for the computer and technology industries.

 

This city of over 60,000 residents has a rich and vibrant culture, as well as many great things to do for visitors. Cupertino’s residents take great pride in their community, and it shows in the cleanliness of public areas, the low crime rate and the friendly faces you’ll encounter. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the various local parks which are expertly maintained, visually stunning, and feature many trails to hike and explore. If you're a foodie, you’re in the right place. From bars to fine dining, this city has a spectrum of establishments for you to choose from. Local opportunities for shopping are numerous at small shops, malls, and more. Relaxation is another draw to the area. There are numerous spas and healing centers that have a wide selection of treatments sure to have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in no time. The best way to get to know the city and its friendly residents is by participating in one of the great local festivals like the highly anticipated Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival.

 

Well into its third decade, Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience that highlights Japanese culture and offers something for everyone to enjoy. This family-friendly event brings thousands of people into Cupertino each year. You’ll experience one of the most comprehensive Japanese-themed events in America during your time at the festival. From traditional Japanese art and entertainment to authentic dining and culture, Cupertino has it all. The festival is great for kids with the vibrant setting, bright colors, fun games and activities. You’ll encounter a wide selection of food and drink to choose from, as well as plenty of friendly new people to meet. We got the chance to interview Alysa Sakkas, President of the Cupertino Toyokawa Sister Cities, Inc., to talk about this fun and unique community event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

AS: This is the 33rd annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival. Our fun family festival honors Cupertino’s sister city relationship with Toyokawa, Japan, by sharing Japanese arts & culture with the entire community.

 

Due to free admission for the event, we don't have specific attendance numbers. The Sheriff estimates that each day of the festival attracts between 4,000 and 5,000 people. This is a family-friendly event, so everyone is encouraged to attend. We see singles, couples, families and groups of friends, sometimes coming from long distances just to participate.

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

AS: The number of different Japanese art exhibits, entertainment, exhibits, and foods all in one place, along with the variety makes this an unforgettable festival. We have everything from commercial vendors to school groups that run games and activities. Non-profit organizations run most of the food booths. Lots of community artisans sell their wares at the arts and crafts portion of the festival. The entertainment and exhibits focus quite a bit on Japanese art and culture, as do many of the arts and crafts vendors.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect at the event?

AS: Indoor cultural exhibits and demonstrations take place throughout the day in the Quinlan Community Center. You’ll see music and dance performances, cultural displays, demonstrations, workshops, hands-on activities presented by professionals, non-profits,and special interest group discussions.

 

Outdoor entertainment is held at the amphitheater and includes Taiko drum groups, Japanese dancers, various martial arts, and musical performances throughout the day. VIP festival guests, local government officials, school board members, and students selected for the annual cultural exchange program will be introduced at noon on Saturday. Art and craft exhibits and special interest groups such as Japanese dog and koi fish clubs are located throughout the lawn area. Children’s activities feature hands-on arts and crafts and a petting zoo. Local high school service groups will lead games.

 

Guest appearances include the Northern CA Cherry Blossom Queen and her court, students selected for our annual exchange with our sister city, Mike Inouye from NBC Bay Area, Mayor and city council, local politicians, school board superintendent and members.

 

Food and drink available includes sushi, spam musubi, gyoza, asian chicken salad, yakisoba, mochi, teriyaki chicken skewers, hot rice, shaved ice, fruit bowls, kettle corn, cotton candy, coffee, smoothies, beer, sake, plum wine, sodas and lemonade.

 

RAL: What does the festival mean to the community?

AS: It celebrates our sister-city relationship with Toyokawa, and shares Japanese arts and culture with the entire community.

 

The festival also provides a boost to the local economy. People who attend the festival spend money at various local businesses and attractions. We also provide a great opportunity for California vendors, who come up from Los Angeles or down from San Francisco and everywhere in between, to generate some additional revenue.

 

RAL: Does the event support any special causes?

AS: This event is a fundraiser that helps cover some of the cost of our annual student exchange program. We send two chaperones and fourteen 7th and 8th grade students to Toyokawa for a 10-day visit. 

 

RAL: Why should people come?

AS: Our event is known as being accessible to all. We truly have something for everyone. It is the chance to see many different Japanese art and cultural displays, performances, and exhibits in one place. Japanese citizens tell us that they learn art forms they’ve never seen before our event. We had a visitor from the Japanese consulate who came as a VIP on Saturday and then returned in plain clothes with his family the following day to share things that were rare to find together in one place, even in Japan.


For more information about the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, please visit their website.