Press Releases 2008
- For Immediate Release -
31st Anniversary of the Nikkei Matsuri-San Jose Japantown on May 4
Like cherry blossom festivals across the nation, the San Jose Japantown Nikkei Matsuri is the San Jose Japanese American community's Spring celebration of the colorful and unique Japanese American heritage and culture.
This year is the 31st year of the festival and the festival continues to be vibrant and dynamic. San Jose Taiko drummers begin the festival with the pulsing heartbeat of the taiko with a morning stroll through Japantown while the festival prepares for a day long celebration. This has been a tradition in recent years, as the taiko drummers encourage morning runners participating in the Yu-Ai Kai Run, which also takes place that morning. Following the taiko start of the festival will be the traditional raising of the koi, a gift to the committee from the San Jose's sister city, Okayama, Japan. A large 300 member delegation participated in Nikkei Matsuri last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary sister city relationship between San Jose and Okayama.
Nikkei Matsuri, means ‘Japanese American festival’. Over 30 years ago, “Nikkei Matsuri” was one of several ethnic community celebrations planned for the City of San Jose’s Bicentennial celebration. The Nikkei Matsuri was the response by the Japanese American community to share their culture with the City. This celebration was so successful, that the festival has continued since then. The Nikkei Matsuri committee, led by President, Warren Hayashi, is composed of representatives of several non-profit organizations. Together, they coordinate a day long festival of foods, performing arts, cultural exhibits and arts and crafts with the goal of sharing and appreciating Japanese American culture in the heart of San Jose’s Japantown.
Nikkei Matsuri Board of Directors include: Jimi Yamaichi, Warren Hayashi, Norman Tanaka, Larry Kaneshiro, Victor Imahara, Pam Yoshida, Sharon Siegenthaler, Kathy Linderman, Frank Tao, Vi Onishi, Ruby Kobashi, Gordon Koo and Kristi Conley.
Nikkei Matsuri, also represents the local San Jose Nikkei community. This year's participating organizations include the CYS (Community Youth Services), San Jose Buddhist Church (Venture Scouts, Cub Scouts, Japanese Language School and the Fujinkai) Wesley Methodist Church (Youth Group and Church), San Jose JACL, Nisei Ski Club, Pacific Neighbors, YJA (Young Japanese Americans), San Jose Judo Club, Northern California Kendo Federation and West Valley JACL, and features food booths with Japanese theme delicacies as teriyaki shortribs, gyoza, bota mochi, udon, ika fry, yaki soba, manju and spam musubi. Many 'non-traditional' Japanese items such as teriyaki burgers, Chinese Chicken Salad, shaved ice, and strawberry shortcake are also sold.
Live entertainment on two stages will be featured throughout the day. Groups of all ages will feature a variety of talent. Many of these groups are from the local San Jose community organizations. Over sixty arts and craft vendors from throughout the Western United States and Hawaii will be on hand to display their unique handcrafted arts. Cultural displays include exhibitors of Nenhitsu Kai (Fumi Oki) Kashu Suiseki (Ted Kameda), Ikebana (students of Shoka Narimatsu, Kika Shibata, Mayumi Kiyohara, and Joyce Kubota), Bonsai (San Jose Bonsai Club-Ken Azuma) and Kimekomi Dolls (from the Mataro Miyabi Kai-Northern California Shibu-Masanori Wasano).
In addition to the Nikkei Matsuri events, local community organizations will host activities during the day. These events include: Yu Ai Kai (Nihonmachi Run' and Health Fair), Japantown Business Association (weekly Farmer's Market on Jackson Street between Sixth and Seventh Street), and Suzume No Gakko (children's cultural program, will host children's crafts at the Wesley Methodist Church during the festival).
A representative from the Nisei Veteran's Stamp Act committee will be on hand to answer questions about the movement to honor Nisei Veteran's through the postal service.
All are welcome to enjoy this event of food, culture and fun for all ages. Organizers encourage festival goers to plan to spend the entire day in order to fully enjoy the festival.
Nikkei Matsuri will be from 9:30 am until 4:00 PM with all festivities taking place in the heart of San Jose Japantown (on Jackson Street between Fourth and Sixth Streets). Admission is free. Information and schedules of performances are available at the Nikkei Matsuri web-site: www.nikkeimatsuri.org or by contacting Warren Hayashi at (408) 241-0900.
The San Jose Mercury is a proud sponsor of the Nikkei Matsuri