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Southbay Cherry Blossom Festivals

by Kris   ⋅   April 30, 2006   ⋅   Comment now   ⋅    RSS

After a disappointing run earlier in the month at the San Francisco Sakura Matsuri or Cherry Blossom Festival, we were expecting more from this weekend’s events in Cupertino and San Jose and had fun perusing the craft booths and exhibits, listening to koto players and enka singers.

SJ and SF Nihon Machi (Japantowns) are two of the last of a dying establishment, especially with the majority of SF’s buildings recently sold off. With many Japanese marrying outside of their race or failing to teach their children the language or the culture, we are losing it. I always joke that Chris is more Japanese than I am, but in some aspects, it is the truth. He is far more interested and advanced in contemporary Japanese culture. He informs me about the new releases in cinema and entertainment strains. He will even soon surpass me in Japanese verbal skills I’m sure! With that said, I am proud to accompany him to these festivals, and everytime I do, I feel pride in my heritage. Even though like most yonsei (fourth generation), I think I am pretty clueless concerning my Mother country, I am happy to know that I have an open-minded husband who will be patient with me while I learn.