A TransPacific Celebration of Spring and Cultures: The City of Torrance Celebrates Its Annual Cherry Blossom Festival By Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor
With the unending string of winter storms tracking across California, many of us were looking forward to the first signs of Spring. Among those sights are the Cherry Blossoms that bloom throughout the South Bay. Beginning in 2001, the City of Torrance received an annual donation of cherry blossom trees donated by Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a global community-based network of individuals who practice the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. Over time, the number of cherry blossom trees has expanded to over 200 individual trees that have been planted at parks and the City of Torrance Civic center in the City of Torrance.
Frank Nakabayashi, former SGI Secretary General, fondly recalls his involvement in the planning and early stages of the SGI’s tree donations. Nakabayashi and his wife, Sachiko, travel from the Huntington Beach home to visit the trees at their various locations in the City of Torrance. Nakabayashi and his wife wear smiles from ear to ear as they visit the commemorative plaque found at Columbia Park near the corner of Prairie Avenue and 190th Street. Nakabayashi reminds visitors that there are no strangers under the canopy of the cherry blossom trees. Nakabayashi and his wife are quick to express their enjoyment as they watch park goers take a moment to enjoy the blossoms that decorate the trees’ limbs.
Sachiko and Frank Nakabayshi visit the commemorative plaque at Columbia Park recognizing SGI’s donation of over 200 Cherry Blossom Trees to the City of Torrance.
Several sources attribute former City of Torrance mayor, Patrick Furey, as a driving force behind the creation of the City of Torrance Cherry Blossom Festival. The Festival was initially celebrated in 2012 and was briefly paused due to the COVID shut down, but returned in 2022. Since its inception, the Festival incorporates live performances including music, dance, and martial arts.
This year the Festival began with the possession of the mikoshi, a portable shrine, by Rafu Mustsumi Kai. Traditionally the small shrine is transported on the shoulders of individuals through the neighborhoods of temple members. Special consideration is given to those members who are infirmed or otherwise unable to fully participate in temple activities. Festival goers were able to participate in a brief possession as the mikoshi was transported accompanied by the sound of taiko drums by Myo ‘On to an area near the Festival stage where it was placed on its umas (stands) for display throughout the celebration.
This year’s festival also featured the Asano Taiko USA’s rhythmic taiko drum sounds.
In addition, the stage featured traditional Asian dance group, Fujima Seiyumi Kai and Asian influenced modern dance by South Bay Little Angels Dancing Group. Rounding out the traditional performances was Matsutoyo Kai Japanese Folk Group.
The Irvine Cheerleaders and their mothers added a modern twist to the day’s performance with their acrobatic skills and dance performance.
The Viorhythm, a quartet of young violinists, took a break from performing their classical selection and turned in a virtuoso performance of classic rock and popular music selections. Some lucky audience members were treated to an up-close experience as two of the ensemble’s members roamed through the crowd while performing part of their musical selections.
As the afternoon’s activities concluded some Festival goers spent a few more moments enjoying the warm rays of sunshine while others spent time enjoying the cherry blossoms before they disappear until next Spring.
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
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