It’s back! We’re excited to bring back in person to Japantown Peace Plaza our annual Children’s Day Festival on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 11:00am-4:00pm! Bring out the kids and friends to enjoy our annual festival offering many fun games and prizes, craft activities, face painting, bounce houses, and cultural and live stage performances for the community to enjoy. Admission is free and open to the public, and children are encouraged to wear kimono, yukata or other Japanese clothing.

In Japanese tradition, Children's Day celebrates the healthy growth and happiness of children with bright Koi or Carp flags (koinobori). The carp was chosen because it symbolizes strength and success; according to a Chinese legend, a carp swam upstream to become a dragon. JCCCNC or "The Center" presents this traditional youth celebration which will feature traditional Japanese performances, arts and crafts, activities, games, bouncy house and more.

Attendees to this year’s festival can look forward to performances including cultural performances by Japanese taiko group Genryu Arts, the Center’s Ito Yosakoi dance group,  acapella singing from MEaN Nikkei Acapella group, kendo (traditional Japanese sword fencing) demonstration by SF Kendo Dojo and more! The festival stage schedule will also include the 2022 Cherry Blossom Queen Court announcing the winner of the festival’s Sakura Art Contest as well as the live drawing of the Center’s annual Youth Raffle.