Queen contestant application

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Queen Contestant in the 73rd Cherry Blossom Festival. The Cherry Blossom Festival is proudly sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) and is one of the longest, continuously running ethnic festivals in Hawaii. The Festival is an important cultural event in our local community, supported by numerous businesses, generous individuals and dedicated volunteers.

Application requirements

To be considered as a Queen Contestant for the 73rd Cherry Blossom Festival, you are required to submit:

  1. A complete Queen Contestant Application Form

  2. Copies of necessary birth certificates;

    • If your birth certificate does not clearly identify you as having at least 50% Japanese ancestry, please refer

      to the ‘Instructions for Completing the Application’ page for additional birth certificate requirements;

  3. Copy of Hawaii driver’s license or Hawaii State ID (as proof of Hawaii residency);

  4. Documentation evidencing United States citizenship if not stated on birth certificate; and

  5. Application Fee - Make checks payable to Cherry Blossom Festival.

    • Application submissions postmarked by June 30, 2024, will pay an early application fee of $15.00

    • Application submissions postmarked between July 1, 2024 and August 15, 2024, will pay an application fee of $30.00

      Please mail submittals to the address below:

      Cherry Blossom Festival
      Attn: 73rd CBF Contestant Search
      P.O. Box 1105
      Aiea, Hawaii 96701

    **Queen Contestant Application will not be considered complete until all documents have been submitted. Deadline to submit is

    August 15, 2024 (postmark date).

qualifications

To be eligible as a 73rd Queen Contestant Candidate, applicants must:

  1. Have at least 50% Japanese ancestry.

  2. Be an United States citizen and Hawaii resident for two (2) consecutive years prior to September 1, 2024. Some exceptions may apply.

  3. Be female by birth.

  4. Be at least 19 years of age as of September 1, 2024, and not older than 28 years of age as of April 1, 2025.

  5. Be a high school graduate.

  6. Has never been married and does not intend to marry before April 1, 2025.

  7. Has never given birth and does not intend to become pregnant before April 1, 2025.

  8. Be of good moral character.

  9. Has served in community service organizations or has an interest in serving in community service organizations.

  10. Able to provide their own transportation to and from all Cherry Blossom Festival events, cultural classes and rehearsals.

  11. Has access to devise and internet connectivity

  12. Is not a current or potential title holder for any cultural festival or pageant between August 3, 2024 through April 1, 2025.

  13. Is not a member of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) and has never served on the HJJCC Board of Directors or Cherry Blossom Festival Steering Committee.

  14. Is not an immediate family member of and/or dating a Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce member, a Cherry Blossom Festival Steering Committee member, and a current Cherry Blossom Festival Court member.

If you have any questions regarding qualification requirements (including birth certificates), please reach out to cbfsearch@hjjcc.com.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Cherry Blossom Festival Contestant Experience

As a Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contestant you will receive a variety of Contestant Awards such as cultural classes, professional development training and image management consultation. Contestant awards may include an appearance dress, an evening gown, and the use of a furisode kimono for Festival Ball.

Cultural classes may include: ikebana (flower arranging), origami (paper folding), tea ceremony, odori (dance), koto (musical instrument), calligraphy (brush art), taiko (musical instrument), and Japanese history. These classes are taught by reputable and professional instructors.

Queen Contestants may be provided communication and visual presentation training, instruction in the use of kimono, business etiquette, poise, stage presence, and public speaking.