Nihonmachi Street Fair Going Strong 37 Years Later
By J.K. Yamamoto--The Nihonmachi Street Fair, a San Francisco Japantown tradition, was held for the 37th time on Aug. 14 and 15.
The event featured entertainment on the Peace Plaza and Webster Street stages, food booths, arts and crafts, games for kids, information on non-profit organizations, and an exhibit of photos and posters from previous Nihonmachi Street Fairs.
Unlike the Cherry Blossom Festival, which focuses on Japan, the NSF has a more Asian Pacific American theme. Organizers explain that while it is rooted in Japanese American community struggles, including the redevelopment program that forced many residents and small businesses out of Japantown, NSF embodies “the struggle of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and ultimately the struggle of good people everywhere to build community.
“It is in that spirit that we … gather together in J-Town to celebrate and share our collective cultures.”
Organizers also noted that the ongoing recession has posed new challenges: “This year began with what seemed like overwhelming challenges, but more than ever good friends have rallied in the face of hard economic times to make the Street Fair happen. Good friends like Uncle Charley Kiaha, whose spirit and heart charged up the connection with the Pacific Islander community — entertainers, food booths, and artisans …
“And many of the entertainers volunteered to waive their fees this year, so that the Street Fair tradition of free entertainment would continue.”
Kiaha, who performs Hawaiian music with Ilima Lei Russell as Moana, served as emcee for the Peace Plaza Stage.
Performers included slack-key guitarist Ben Kaili and hula group Ke ‘Olu Makani ‘O Mauna Loa, led by Kumu Meleana Manuel; Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka, led by Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire; Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea, whose San Francisco branch is led by Mary Ann Wong; singer and slack-key guitar/ukulele player Steven Espaniola; and Manuia Polynesian Revue, which offers luau entertainment from Tahitian and Tongan drums to Samoan and Maori fire dances.
Special guests from Southern California were Local Blend, a musical trio, and Mele Ohana Ukulele Group. Also featured were Bay Area reggae bands Native Elements and My Peoples (formerly known as Kapakahi).
Performing artist, community activist and educator Ron Muriera served as emcee for the Webster Street Stage. Traditional entertainment was provided by Daly City’s West Coast Lion Dance, founded by Tony Shiu, and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, founded by Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka. The taiko concert included guests from Japan, Hiroshima’s Kaburaya Taiko, which is dedicated to promoting harmony around the world through music.
The Webster Street Stage mainly showcased contemporary music. Featured bands were Bento (which has been described as alternative, modern or indie), Bit City Revue (hits from past decades, including Motown), Feelosophy (soul), Franco Nero and Band (ska), JAM (rock), JazzSabor (Latin jazz), Pulse and Rendezvous (dance music), and ScoJourners (hip-hop).
The crafts section offered items from over 30 Asian Pacific Islander small businesses, and most of the 16 food booths were operated by community non-profit organizations. Among the regulars were Kimochi Inc. (teri-burgers), Asian American Recovery Services (ribs), and API Legal Outreach (garlic fries).
The festival booklet included a tribute to the late Al Gordon, a Kimochi volunteer who played a key role in the community’s legal battle to regain control of the former Japanese YWCA building at 1830 Sutter St. Today it is owned by Nihonmachi Little Friends.
