At Monterey Park’s Cherry Blossom Festival, it’s about community

Hundreds gathered Monterey Park over the weekend, celebrating two decades of Japanese American culture and artistry.

Barnes Park was the venue for the city’s 25th annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 12 and 13.

The event included demonstrations and performances from local Asian American musicians, dance groups, martial artists, taiko drummers and more. Vendors sold wares from colorful Japanese film posters and anime merchandise, to cherry blossom stems, mochi rice cakes, traditional foods and snacks.

Monterey Park began hosting the cultural festival since the 1970s, officials said. The beloved community event has been brought back regularly by volunteers since 1997.

Special guests including Monterey Park city officials; Tomoyuki Yamagata, Consul General for General Affairs for the Japanese consulate in Los Angeles; ABC7’s Denise Dador and others, who joined the opening ceremonies on Saturday.

The festival also featured a chado tea ceremony, ikebana arranging and zen brush demonstrations, origami crafts and handmade cultural displays.

Arcadia resident Nadine Sachiko Hsu, a former driver in the Formula D racing series, has been going to the Cherry Blossom Festival for years. She was all smiles from her booth, where she signed copies of her new children’s book series, “Sachiko Goes Racing.”

As one of the first women in the U.S. to pursue drifting, a motorsport that originated from Japan in the 1980’s, Hsu is excited to be a part of an upcoming car exhibit hosted by the Japanese American National Museum.

“I love being in touch with the Japanese American community… I want to try to keep my ear to the ground here, be involved and give back, sharing my story to my community,” Hsu said. “It’s priceless — a lot of people don’t get diversity or community like this. At least we have our Japanese identity here. I’m excited to be a part of this (event) for years to come — next year I hope to bring my car!”