Perpetuating Japanese Culture and Enriching the Lives of Young Women
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. While times have evolved, the purpose of the Festival continues to be the perpetuation of Japanese culture, and to enrich the lives of young women of Japanese ancestry.
Meet the 61st Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court
The 61st Cherry Blossom Festival court (from left to right): Miss Popularity Ashley Higa, Princess Misha Maletta, First Princess Lori Higashi, Queen Crystine Ito, Princess Kellene Sasano, Princess Leila Mitsunaga, and Miss Congeniality Eryn Kawamoto. Photo by Sean Nakamura. Photo by Steven Yamaki, photographer and owner of Images by Steven, a Silver Sponsor. Attire provided by Tori Richard, a Gold Sponsor, featuring cardigans from The New Black.
The 61st Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestants
Stephanie Masako Chiang
Mychal Chiyoko Kanoura Hatae
Ashley Michiko Higa
Lori Hiroko Higashi
Tiffany Akemi Hsu
Crystine Hisae Ito
Eryn Akemi Kawamoto
Misha Nicole Yurie Maletta
Leila Tomoyo Mitsunaga
Shanna Kailolaina Nakamura
Kellene Noenoelani Sasano
Whitney Sachie Melendres Shiroma
Neysa Joy Mayumi Taba
Chayne Kimi Toyama
Hannah Ying Tsunemoto
The Queen Contestants are given the opportunity to learn about their Japanese heritage, improve their poise and public speaking and develop leadership skills through numerous cultural and training classes. Over the past 61 years the Festival has touched the lives of many. Our national sister Cherry Blossom Festival relationships continue to flourish, and each year the Festival hosts five sister Junior Chamber chapters from Japan. Please keep in touch with us by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter and by joining our Cherry Blossom Festival Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.