By admin Underneath a giant tent with rows of colorful lanterns, crowds of hungry visitors flocked Saturday to stalls dishing out plates of teriyaki chicken, karaage and okonomiyaki pancakes.
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They were among thousands of expected attendees at the Sacramento Buddhist Church’s Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar, an annual celebration started in 1947 as they rebuilt their local community after the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, according to the festival’s website.
But for many attendees, the 80-year-old festival’s draw goes beyond the delicious treats on offer.
“Every year, once a year, you might see people you haven’t seen for a year or longer,” said Brian Hatano. “And all of a sudden, you’re face-to-face, ‘hey, how you been?’”
Hatano, who said he’s been coming to the festival for more than 60 years, is a member of the church’s board of trustees. On Saturday, he was in charge of the drinks crew.
“I’m somewhat older, but I’m still younger than some of the people, like my mom,” he said. “91 years old, working in the hot kitchen.” he gestured behind him.
“I started my kids young, too,” he added. “As we get older, if it’s on me and my mom’s generation, how can we sustain this?”
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“Thankfully, we have my kids, and these younger girls are helping,” said Hatano, gesturing to a group wearing child-sized aprons and doling out bottled water.
Kids as young as age 5 can help out, according to Annette Kimura, who grew up volunteering at the festival. “As long as they can take instruction, they’re fine,” she said.
In the festival’s crowded dining area, attendee Alyse Toy found a few feet of empty table space to enjoy a plate of snacks with her brother and toddler, who sat before a near-empty dish of gyoza. They’d come to the fair at least 15 times, she said.
“My nephew, when he was little, he would come, and he was super excited to play the games. He would get the shaved ice,” she said.
“And now it’s fun that I get to bring my daughter, and she can all eat the same things,” said Toy. “It’s really fun to see how our traditions keep going, and new generations get to participate.”
This story was originally published August 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM with the headline “After 80 years, traditions shine at Sacramento’s Japanese Cultural Bazaar.”
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