Kamome Festival Celebrates Crescent City’s Connection to Rikuzentakata, Japan April 11-18, 2026 with Free Events Open to the Public

The annual festival celebrates 13 years from when the boat, Kamome, was discovered on the shores of Crescent City with a Japanese-themed restaurant week and dozens of free activities for all-ages honoring Crescent City’s connection and Sister City relationship with Rikuzentakata, Japan. The festival includes a special Taste of Japan culinary and entertainment experience on Friday, April 17, 2026 with proceeds going to the Kamome Foundation and Del Norte High School’s Japan Club

(Crescent City, California) Both Crescent City, California and Rikuzentakata, Japan have something in common: devastating tsunamis. A tsunami leveled Rikuzentakata and hurled a boat from Takata High School across the ocean in 2011. The boat, Kamome, floated for years before finding its way to Crescent City in 2013. What began as a moment of sorrow ignited a lasting cultural connection. Two high schools, two cities, and two countries—forever united by resilience, friendship, and now, hope. 

The public is invited to attend the fourth annual Kamome Festival, a free week-long schedule of Japanese-inspired cultural events starting Saturday, April 11 and continuing through Saturday April 18, 2026. A festival highlight includes the Taste of Japan event on Friday, April 17, which includes a silent auction benefiting the Del Norte High School Japan Club, and delicious tastings of locally sourced food and drink such as fresh Humboldt Bay oysters with Ponzu sauce prepared by Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya, fresh sushi by Pacific Sushi, Kamome Ale by SeaQuake Brewing Co. and more. The dinner is followed by an evening of traditional Japanese music from a Junior World Champion Shamisen artist and cultural dancing from Rikuzentakata. 

COST: $60 per person for the Taste of Japan event. Purchase tickets online or locally at Del Norte Office Supply in downtown Crescent City. 

Other events include a restaurant week featuring specialty Japanese-themed food and drink from Del Norte County restaurants, an award-winning film screening of “Samurai in the Oregon Sky” a documentary about reconciliation, a Humboldt Taiko Concert, forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) in the redwoods, a new Kamome-Con anime celebration, an Iaido (traditional Japanese swordmanship) demonstration, and more.

“We’re excited to see the Kamome Festival continue to grow bigger each year, bringing our community and visitors together to experience a wide range of free cultural activities supported by our local businesses, nonprofits, and partners. Helping our kids and residents understand the importance of emergency preparedness remains a top priority, and our sister city story reflects that commitment to resilience and connection. This year we’re especially honored to welcome 21 delegates from Rikuzentakata, as well as Consul General Kotaro Otsuki and Consul Takumi Kurioiwa,” says Eric Wier, City Manager of Crescent City.

A Few Activities Open to the Public. View the Full Schedule

As a founder of the Kamome Foundation, I’m proud we sponsor the Kamome Festival to raise funds for student exchanges with our sister city, Rikuzentakata, Japan,” says Bill Steven. “Thanks to sponsors, donors and attendees we raised over $4,400 for the Del Norte High School Japan Club in 2025 and aim to double that this year. In February 2026, five students and two teachers visited Rikuzentakata—experiences like these are central to our mission to expand cultural opportunities for local youth.”

In addition, there will be interactive tsunami and earthquake preparedness education and Japanese cultural activities on Friday, April 17 for local school children in the 3rd and 5th grades at Crescent City’s Cultural Center. This event is closed to the general public.   

This event was made possible by the City of Crescent City, the Kamome Foundation, Del Norte High School’s Japan Club, Del Norte County Office of Education, and many local businesses and community partnerships.

About Crescent City, California
As the largest city on the Redwoods Coast of California, Crescent City sits between the mighty Pacific Ocean, ancient redwood forests, tribal lands, and two wild rivers. Crescent City gets its name from the famous crescent-shaped strand of sandy beach that punctuates the city of approximately 6,000 people. Discover our gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks, sprawling beaches, stunning trails, local art, rich history, casino gaming, welcoming events and delicious dining all packed into one spirited place. To learn more, view the Crescent City Travel Guide and to plan your visit, go to www.ExploreCrescentCity.com

PRESS CONTACTS

Kelly Feola, City of Crescent City, 707-951-5250, kfeola@crescentcity.org
Lynnette Braillard 541-350-0594, Visit Del Norte County, hello@visitdelnortecounty.com

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