FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

Contact: Sean Nakamura
              60th Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Relations Chair
              Email: cbfhawaii@gmail.com

60th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants make public appearance

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the 60th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants made their first public appearance at the Windward Mall. The event opened up with a taiko performance by Somei Taiko followed by an appearance and opening speech by the 59th CBF Court.

The 60th CBF Queen Contestants were then presented on the stage one-by-one and was each asked one question to answer to the audience. The questions were picked randomly and asked contestants a variety of general questions about various topics.  

The 60th Cherry Blossom Festival has more upcoming public appearances and special events. Here is a brief list of upcoming public appearances:

Kahala Mall Public Appearance: Feb. 18 at noon.

Ala Moana Shopping Center Public Appearance: March 3. at 3 p.m.

Pearlridge Shopping Center Public Appearance: March 10 at noon.

For more information on other CBF events such as the Contestant Reception, Golf Tournament, and Fashion Show, please visit www.cbfhawaii.com/events.

The Festival Ball will be on Saturday, March 31 at the Hawaii Theatre at 5 p.m.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest, continually running ethnic festivals in the State of Hawai‘i, which celebrates Japanese culture and heritage. Sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, the 60th Cherry Blossom Festival will span from Jan. to March 2012.

For the most up-to-date information on events and announcements, "like" Cherry Blossom Festival Hawaii on Facebook and follow us on twitter: @cbfhi. 

60th Cherry Blossom Festival Unveils Queen Contestants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.

Contact: Sean Nakamura
Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Relations Chair
Email: cbfhawaii@gmail.com

60th Cherry Blossom Festival Unveils Queen Contestants
Honolulu, Hawai‘i – The 60th Cherry Blossom Festival unveiled today its 15 Queen Contestants at an Opening Ceremony at the Pagoda Hotel & Restaurant C’est Si Bon ballroom. This year’s theme “Kizuna,” translates to “To Bond,” was also announced at today’s ceremony.

Queen Contestants are selected for their dedication to perpetuating Japanese culture, commitment to education and passion for community service. More information about individual Queen Contestants can be found online at www.cbfhawaii.com/contestants.

One contestant will be crowned the 60th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen during Festival Ball at the Hawai‘i Theatre on March 31. Ticket information is available online at www.cbfhawaii.com/events.

The 60th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants are:
Kristin Amanda Rie Alm
Carrie Gemma Chiemi Esaki
Tomomi Julia Ida
Edrea Eri Katsunuma
Nicole Yuriko Kinney
Allison Keiko Kunichika
Shiho Matsutaka
Erin Mie Hi‘ileialoha Morimoto
Jenna Akia Moriwaki
Ter Leinaala Nakakura
Erin Ai Shiroma
Heather Leilani Chiyono Smith
Cari Ayako Tasoe
Marika Emi Yano Wilson
Mindy Mitsuyu Yoneshige


The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest, continually running ethnic festivals in the State of Hawai‘i, which celebrates Japanese culture and heritage. Sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, the 60th Cherry Blossom Festival will span from Jan. to March 2012. Featured events include several community events open to the public, Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Contestant Reception and the highly-anticipated Festival Ball where a new Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court will be crowned.

In 1953 Violet Tokei Niimi was crowned the very first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. In 2001, her son, Dr. Scott Oishi established the Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship in honor of his mothers fond memories of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Dr. Oishi and a committee of four judges will select one contestant to receive $5,000 to go toward continuing her education. The recipient will be selected based on her educational excellence, essay submission, character, and community service efforts. The recipient of the 11th Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship will be announced on March 25. at the Festival Ball.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored by: Bank of Hawaii, Fujiyasu Kimono Company, Obun Hawaii Group, Watabe Wedding, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant, Japan Airlines, Kyoya Company, Ltd, Pam Futa-Campbell, Shiseido, Island Insurance, Kirin Brewery of America, Marukai Wholesale Mart, Tori Richard, Gyotaku by Naoki, Images by Steven, JHM Productions, JTB Hawaii, and Servco Pacific

For more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cbfhawaii.com or call 808-949-2255. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cbfhawaii or follow our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/cbfhi.

59th Cherry Blossom Festival Announces New Queen and Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, March 26, 2011     

Contact: Desiree Yamamoto
Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Relations Chair
cbfhawaii@gmail.com

59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Announces New Queen and Court

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – This evening, the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Cherry Blossom Festival crowned the new 59th Cherry Blossom Queen and Court at its annual Festival Ball and coronation ceremony at the Hawai‘i Theatre. The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest continually running festivals in the State of Hawai‘i, which celebrates Japanese culture and heritage.

Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants are selected for their dedication to perpetuating Japanese culture, commitment to education and passion for community service.  This year’s festival theme, “Okage sama de,” often simply translated as “I am who I am because of you,” was a guiding principle for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

“This years emphasis was on keeping Japanese traditions and values alive,” said Darren Ota, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce president and Cherry Blossom Festival general chair. “Over the eight months of cultural classes, professional development, and preparation for Festival Ball, it is our hope that the Queen Contestants have had a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. In addition to perpetuating cultural education and celebrating our Japanese heritage, we hope that Queen Contestants have built deep relationships with each other.”

Queen, First Princess and three Princesses are selected by a panel of esteemed judges. Princesses are listed in alphabetical order. Miss Popularity is awarded to the Queen Contestant who has accumulated the most points by raised funds used to support the perpetuation of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Miss Congeniality is awarded to the Queen Contestant who has been selected by her peers as exemplifying the spirit of friendship. Proudly presenting the 59th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court.

Queen – Jennifer Lauren Aiko Sur
Jennifer is a 2002 graduate of Kailua High School. She is the daughter of Mona and Peter Sur. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Minor in Speech and a Master of Arts in Speech from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Jennifer is currently a speech lecturer.

First Princess – Elizabeth Shizuko Lee-Tamanaha
Princess and Miss Congeniality – Tamlyn Sachie Pilialoha Toyama
Princess – Anya Chikako Ishida
Princess – Aileen Naomi Tamura
Miss Popularity – Traci Yoshi Hamamoto

In 2002, Dr. Scott Oishi established the $5,000 Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship in memory of his mother, the very first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. In honor of Mrs. Oishi’s career as an educator, this $5,000 award is designated for the continued education of one Queen Contestant. The recipient was selected on the basis of her educational excellence, essay submission, and community service involvement.

Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship Recipient – Janelle Akemi Ando

Janelle is a 2003 graduate of Roosevelt High School. She is the daughter of Lynn and Richard Ando Jr. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in History and Business Law from the University of Portland. Janelle is currently a hospice and palliative care nurse. 

Highlights of the evening included:

• Taiko Performance – contestants performed a taiko sequence choreographed and instructed by world-acclaimed musician Kenny Endo, and accompanied by members of the Taiko Center of the Pacific
• Western Phase – contestants delivered one-minute speeches in evening gowns sponsored by Casablanca Bridal & Formals
• Eastern Phase – contestants answered one impromptu question while wearing authentic furisode kimono flown in from Japan specifically for this event by Watabe Wedding Hawaii   

A united message of solidarity was extended to the people of Japan this evening. Guests at Festival Ball donned green ribbons bearing a miniature Japan flag. Symbolizing hope for Japan, these ribbons were thoughtfully handmade by the 59th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants with the support of Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce members and the Cherry Blossom Festival steering committee. The 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court have collected origami cranes to send to the Tohoku region.

In honor of the strong relationships with sister Junior Chamber International chapters in Kobe, Odawara, Kurashiki, Kojima and Tamashima, the Japan Cherry Blossom Association, our Japan sponsors, our Japan award donors, and the many individuals who have been affected by this natural disaster, the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Cherry Blossom Festival will be making a monetary donation to support the relief efforts. As a participating organization in the Aloha for Japan Committee, we have encouraged our guests to participate individually in the Japan relief efforts and have directed them to www.alohaforjapan.com.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored by: Bank of Hawaii, Fujiyasu Kimono Company, Japan Airlines, Shiseido Cosmetics, Kyo-ya Company, LLC., Obun Hawaii Group, Pamela Futa Campbell, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant, Watabe Wedding Hawaii Branch, Kirin Brewery of America LLC, Tori Richard, City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Marukai Wholesale Mart, JTB Hawaii, Inc. Gyotaku by Naoki, Images by Steven, Island Insurance, JHM Productions, and Servco Pacific Inc.

For more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cbfhawaii.com or call 808-949-2255. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cbfhawaii or follow our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/cbfhi.

About the Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival holds the honor of being one of the longest, continually running ethnic festival in the State of Hawai‘i – originally started in 1953 by the founding fathers of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Cherry Blossom Festival was created to celebrate Japanese culture and to enrich the lives of young Japanese-American women. The Festival also has an international reach, partnering each year to host five special sister chapters from Japan: Kobe, Odawara, Kurashiki, Kojima and Tamashima. Over the past 59 years the Cherry Blossom Festival has touched the lives of many, especially the 986 women it has called contestants.

About the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce
The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) first convened in 1949 with the mission of developing young Japanese-Americans into civic-minded citizens. The HJJCC aims to foster young leaders through professional development, community service, and the perpetuation of Japanese culture. The HJJCC sponsors many community events – including the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival – as well as offering its members numerous opportunities to develop leadership, managerial and organizational skills through participation in community service projects. The HJJCC also fosters business networking and socializing which allows members to establish life-long friendships. 

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59th Cherry Blossom Festival Calendar of Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 29, 2011                            

Contact: Desiree Yamamoto
Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Relations Chair
email: cbfhawaii@gmail.com

59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Calendar of Events
January – March 2011

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – The 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival announces the calendar of events for its 15 Queen Contestants. Four public appearances will provide the public with an opportunity to meet the Queen Contestants. Five special events will allow ticket holders, primarily family and friends, a chance to interact with the Queen Contestants in a variety of settings.

One well-deserving Contestants will be crowned the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen during Festival Ball at the Hawai‘i Theatre on March 26, 2011. The public is welcome to all Festival events. Ticket information is available online at www.cbfhawaii.com.

Public appearances provide the community a chance to learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival, which perpetuates Japanese culture and heritage. Appearances also help contestants develop their public speaking, poise and leadership skills. Public appearances are free to the community. At all public appearances, Queen Contestants will wear special designs by Tori Richard – a recently re-instated sponsor of the Festival who used to provide clothing for contestants back in the 1950s.

Kahala Mall Public Appearance, January 29, 2011, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Queen Contestants will make their first public appearance at Kahala Mall, Center Court. Entertainment provided by Starr Kalahiki. Teri Okita from Hawaii News Now and Shayne Enright from KITV4 will emcee this event.

Pearlridge Shopping Center – Uptown Public Appearance, February 12, 2011, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Making their way to the leeward side of the island, the Queen Contestants will appear at Pearlridge Shopping Center – Uptown. Marisa Yamane from KHON2 will emcee this event.

Windward Mall Public Appearance, February 19, 2011, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Taking a drive to the windward side, the Queen Contestants will continue to refine their public speaking skills. Devon Nekoba of 94.7 KUMU, former Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce President, will emcee this event.

Ala Moana Center Public Appearance, March 5, 2011, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

The largest and final public appearance at Ala Moana Center is always a 3-floor packed event with family and friends waving signs and cheering for their favorite Queen Contestant. Entertainment provided by the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Jill Kuramoto of KITV4 and Byron Furukawa of Hawaii News How will emcee this event.

The five special events provide the Queen Contestants once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to participate in unique events. Special events also aim to develop the Queen Contestants ability to perform under pressure, interact with a diverse audience, converse in casual and formal settings, and foster friendships with each other.

Opening Ceremony, January 22, 2011, 10 a.m., Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

By Invitation Only
59^th Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony where Queen Contestants will be revealed to the public. This event officially signifies the start of the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival. Reverend Shuji Komogata of Soto Mission of Hawaii will perform the annual blessing of the Festival bringing peace, good health and blessings to all who are involved. Olena Heu and Jai Cunningham from KHON2 will serve as mistress and master of ceremonies. 

Fashion Show, March 13, 2011, 1 – 4 p.m., The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

General Admission: $45
An exciting Fashion Show provides Queen Contestants the opportunity to walk down a runway and experience the fast pace behind-the-scenes. The fashion show will feature local designer Tori Richard, and local boutiques Casablanca Bridal & Formals, Collins & 8^th, Cottage by the Sea, Eden in Love and Fashionista’s Market. A silent auction will accompany the fashion show. Steve Uyehara and Tannya Joaquin of Hawaii News Now will emcee the fashion show.

Contestant Reception, March 13, 2011, 6 – 9 p.m., Ka Restaurant and Lounge

General Admission: $15
The Contestant Reception allows Queen Contestants to mingle and interact with family and friend in a casual environment. Food, dancing, music and raffle prizes entertain the crowd while Queen Contestants are able to relax and enjoy the evening. 

Golf Tournament, March 18, 2011, 11 a.m., Pearl Country Club

3-Person Team: $480
Tee Sponsor 3-Person Team: $750
The Golf Tournament is formatted as a 3-person scramble with one hole-in-one opportunity for a $10,000 cash prize sponsored by JN Automotive Group. Following the tournament is a reception with team, individually and raffle prizes. A bento lunch from Gyotaku is provided for every golfer and drinks will be provided by Kirin. Course food will be provided by Aiea Manapua & Snacks.

Festival Ball, March 26, 2011, 2 p.m., Hawaii Theatre

General Admission: $55
The highly anticipated Festival Ball will showcase the 15 Queen Contestants and will culminate 8-months of cultural classes and preparation. The evening begins with a taiko performance entitled “Sakura Daiko” choreographed and instructed by world-acclaimed musician Kenny Endo, and accompanied by members of the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Queen Contestants will deliver a 1-minute prepared speech during the Western phase wearing evening gowns sponsored by Casablanca Bridal & Formals. In the final Eastern phase, Queen Contestants will demonstrate their poise while wearing traditional furisode silk kimonos generously provided by Watabe Wedding. During this phase, Queen Contestants will answer one impromptu question. One well-deserving contestants will be crowned the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. One First Princess, three Princesses, one Miss Popularity and one Miss Congeniality will be selected. Stephanie Lum and Keahi Tucker of Hawaii News Now will serve as mistress and master of ceremonies.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is also sponsored by: Bank of Hawaii, Fujiyasu Kimono Company, Japan Airlines, Shiseido Cosmetics, Kyo-ya Company, LLC., Obun Hawaii Group, Pamela Futa Campbell, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant, Watabe Wedding Hawaii Branch, Kirin Brewery of America LLC, Tori Richard, Marukai Wholesale Mart, JTB Hawaii, Inc. Gyotaku by Naoki, Images by Steven, Island Insurance, JHM Productions, and Servco Pacific Inc.

For more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cbfhawaii.com or call 808-949-2255. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cbfhawaii or follow our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/cbfhi.

About the Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival holds the honor of being one of the longest, continually running ethnic festival in the State of Hawai‘i – originally started in 1953 by the founding fathers of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Cherry Blossom Festival was created to celebrate Japanese culture and to enrich the lives of young Japanese-American women. The Festival also has an international reach, partnering each year to host five special sister chapters from Japan: Kobe, Odawara, Kurashiki, Kojima and Tamashima. Over the past 59 years the Cherry Blossom Festival has touched the lives of many, especially the 986 women it has called contestants.

About the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce

The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) first convened in 1949 with the mission of developing young Japanese-Americans into civic-minded citizens. The HJJCC aims to foster young leaders through professional development, community service, and the perpetuation of Japanese culture. The HJJCC sponsors many community events – including the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival – as well as offering its members numerous opportunities to develop leadership, managerial and organizational skills through participation in community service projects. The HJJCC also fosters business networking and socializing which allows members to establish life-long friendships.
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59th Cherry Blossom Festival Unveils Queen Contestants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 22, 2011      
Contact: Desiree Yamamoto
Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Relations Chair
Email: cbfhawaii@gmail.com

59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Unveils Queen Contestants

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – After several months of anticipation, the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival unveiled today its 15 Queen Contestants at an Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. This year’s theme “Okage Sama De,” which translates to “I Am Who I Am Because of You,” was also announced.

Queen Contestants are selected for their dedication to perpetuating Japanese culture, commitment to education and passion for community service. More information about individual Queen Contestants can be found online at www.cbfhawaii.com/contestants.

One well-deserving Contestant will be crowned the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen during Festival Ball at the Hawai‘i Theatre on March 26, 2011. Ticket information is available online at www.cbfhawaii.com/events.

The 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants are:
Janelle Akemi Ando
Traci Yoshi Hamamoto
Anya Chikako Ishida
Lauren Akie Kawana
Stacey Miyako Kawano
Katherine Leigh Kudo
Marissa Lai Fong Sayuri Lee
Elizabeth Shizuko Lee-Tamanaha
Sara Ai Shinjo Mattison
Reimy Megurikami
Laurie Sachie Oda
Jennifer Lauren Aiko Sur
Aileen Naomi Tamura
Tamlyn Sachie Pilialoha Toyama
Allison Kimi Yoshida

The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest, continually running ethnic festivals in the State of Hawai‘i, which celebrates Japanese culture and heritage. Sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, the 59^th Cherry Blossom Festival will span from January to March 2011. Featured events include several community events open to the public, Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Contestant Reception and the highly-anticipated Festival Ball where a new Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court will be crowned.

In 1953 Violet Tokei Niimi was crowned the very first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. In 2001, her son, Dr. Scott Oishi established the Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship in honor of his mothers fond memories of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Dr. Oishi and a committee of four judges will select one contestant to receive $5,000 to go toward continuing her education. The recipient will be selected based on her educational excellence, essay submission, character, and community service efforts. The recipient of the 10^th Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship will be announced on March 26, 2011 at Festival Ball.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored by: Bank of Hawaii, Fujiyasu Kimono Company, Japan Airlines, Shiseido Cosmetics, Kyo-ya Company, LLC., Obun Hawaii Group, Pamela Futa Campbell, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant, Watabe Wedding Hawaii Branch, Kirin Brewery of America LLC, Tori Richard, Marukai Wholesale Mart, JTB Hawaii, Inc. Gyotaku by Naoki, Images by Steven, Island Insurance, JHM Productions, and Servco Pacific Inc.

For more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cbfhawaii.com or call 808-949-2255. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cbfhawaii or follow our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/cbfhi.

About the Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival holds the honor of being one of the longest, continually running ethnic festival in the State of Hawai‘i – originally started in 1953 by the founding fathers of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Cherry Blossom Festival was created to celebrate Japanese culture and to enrich the lives of young Japanese-American women. The Festival also has an international reach, partnering each year to host five special sister chapters from Japan: Kobe, Odawara, Kurashiki, Kojima and Tamashima. Over the past 59 years the Cherry Blossom Festival has touched the lives of many, especially the 986 women it has called contestants.

About the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce
The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) first convened in 1949 with the mission of developing young Japanese-Americans into civic-minded citizens. The HJJCC aims to foster young leaders through professional development, community service, and the perpetuation of Japanese culture. The HJJCC sponsors many community events – including the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival – as well as offering its members numerous opportunities to develop leadership, managerial and organizational skills through participation in community service projects. The HJJCC also fosters business networking and socializing which allows members to establish life-long friendships.
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