Toshi Shimizu of Pearl City was the first prize winner of Hawaii Hochi Ltd.’s 32nd “Name the Cherry Blossom Festival Queen” contest. Shimizu, who also won first prize last year, was one of two people who had perfect ballots. A perfect ballot correctly names the queen, first princess and two princesses. Shimizu’s prize was a trip for two to Las Vegas, courtesy of Vacations Hawaii.
Yumie Tamura of Honolulu, who happens to be Shimizu‘s mother-in-law, won second prize — a $250 gift certificate and a gift basket from Big Island Candies.
Jean Yoshihara of Honolulu, a former Cherry Blossom Festival contestant, won third prize — a family membership to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and a $100 gift certificate to its gift shop.
The winning ballots were selected at random by 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Kimberly Takata when she recently visited the Hawaii Hochi, Ltd. offices last month.
Hawaii Hochi, Ltd., would like to thank our contest sponsors for their continued support throughout the years.
shino, president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.
