The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) presents Kristi Yamaguchi’s Children’s Day Festival in Japantown on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Francisco Japantown’s Peace Plaza (Post and Buchanan streets).

An Olympic figure skating gold medalist and world champion, Yamaguchi is a deep believer in youth programs. Though she is unable to attend this year due to a prior commitment, she supports the Children’s Day Festival in Japantown as it helps to inspire and embrace the hopes and dreams of children.

“I am disappointed that my family and I won’t be able to attend this year’s festival,” said Yamaguchi, who grew up in the Bay Area. “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.”

The festival will provide an opportunity for youth to experience Japanese culture and celebrate Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi), a national holiday in 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 Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program, Sakura of America, St. Ignatius High School and Xperience.

Throughout the day, special children’s entertainment will be provided by ABC Preschool, Gen Taiko/Clarendon Taiko, International Association of Tako-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 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 22 to May 4 at the JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter St. 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, call (415) 567-5505 or visit the website at www.jcccnc.org.

Kimono Dressing
In Celebration of Children’s Day, the JCCCNC, in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan, presents the rare opportunity to dress your child in a traditional Japanese kimono.

This is a very popular workshop and the first three days of the kimono dressing have all been reserved, so the JCCCNC has added three additional days (April 22, 23 and April 24). Space is very limited and certain restrictions apply.

The fee for kimono dressing is $12 per child for JCCCNC members, and $20 non members. Reservations must be made in advance by calling (415) 567-5505.