Commission adds Nihonmachi Street Fair to Legacy Business Registry ahead of 50th anniversary

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted to include the Nihonmachi Street Fair on the city’s Legacy Business Registry on April 17, 2024, clearing the way for the volunteer-run event to be recognized as a local cultural institution ahead of its 50th anniversary.

Staff presentation: Planning staff member Maggie Dong told commissioners the Nihonmachi Street Fair, founded in 1973 and incorporated in 1988, is organized largely by volunteers and offers cultural programming including a dog parade, children’s activities, an Asian artisan area and the Sounds of Thunder car show. Staff recommended approval, citing the fair’s role in cultivating Asian American and Pacific Islander youth leadership and preserving cultural performance traditions.

Community support: Grace Horikiri, the fair’s executive director, testified that the 2024 event will mark the festival’s fiftieth year and highlighted expanded programming including a new LGBTQ+ 'Love is Love' component. Melissa Bailey Nihei and Dr. Emily Murase of the Japantown Task Force also spoke in support, stressing the fair’s grassroots origins and distinction from larger festivals such as Sakura Matsuri.

Commission action: Commissioners praised the applicants and staff, noting the event’s importance to Japantown’s cultural life. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and adopted the staff recommendation; the motion passed 5–0 on the record for item 4a (Commission President Matsuda was recused for that item). The measure registers the Nihonmachi Street Fair on the Legacy Business Registry and advances any subsequent recognition steps the fair pursues.

What happens next: The registry listing is a local recognition; staff said it is intended to support cultural preservation and community-led initiatives. The commission indicated it will continue to work with event organizers and the Japantown Task Force on community outreach and follow-up steps.