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The theme of the 54th Cherry Blossom festival is "Gratitude (Kansha)." 

Dennis of Salon 808 - I first met him in 1985 while pledging for Sigma Lambda fraternity (originally an ethnic Japanese based fraternity started after the war) at the University of Hawaii. He was one of our song festival coaches. I have always been impressed by his talent and commitment to charitable events.

Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian and Outrigger Hotels on Waikiki beach.



   
  

The Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival , started in 1949 during a visit by Junior Chamber Vice President Akira "Sunshine" Fukunaga to the Nisei Festival in Los Angeles, has an important tradition of bringing Japanese culture and heritage to our state. With dedication and vision Chamber members, volunteers and sponsors continue the modern day tradition. Common events include; kabuki doll-making, ikebana exhibits, Japanese cooking, painting and classical dance. The Queen Pageant began in1972 as young women participated in the crowning of Violet Niimi as the first Cherry Blossom Queen. That year the festival ended with fireworks at old Honolulu Stadium.

The Cherry Blossom festival is a program of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. The fashion schedule of events featured Adasa Hawaii boutique, Cinnamon Girl, Anne Namba and Casablanca Bridal and Formals. Special thanks to Awamori Spirits, Bonzai Beverages and Royal Hawaiian Hotel; Ocean Lawn Monarch ballroom. The 53rd Court is  First Princess Terri Inefuku, Queen Brooke Hasegawa, Miss Popularity and Princess Kacie Takushi, Princess Nicole Fujiyama, Miss Congeniality Tracyn Wong, Princess Brandi-Lyn Yasuoka. The festival, one of the oldest, uninterrupted ethnic celebrations in the Hawaii celebrated its' golden anniversary in 2002.

 

Queen's Surf, Hyatt Regency Towers, near Kapahulu Avenue.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu and friends
at the Ocean Lawn on Waikiki beach.

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