CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Cherry Blossom princesses Melissa Fujimoto, Amy Taniguchi, Leina Yokota, Kristen Miyamoto, Amy Chin, Camille Yano, Richelle Nakata and Christin Sumida smiled for the audience after answering random questions about themselves on stage. Fourteen contestants are vying for the honor of being the court Queen of the 55th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival promotes Japanese culture and heritage, civic duty and leadership, and has been sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce since its inception. The final judging will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki March 31. For more information please visit: www.cbfhawaii.com. CLICK FOR LARGE

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Shaun Miyamoto, left, was dressed as Cloud from the game "Final Fantasy 7" and used his Buster Sword on Kien Kicho, who was dressed as an Arrancar from the manga series "Bleach," as they attended the festival. CLICK FOR LARGE

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Nicole Cadaoas tried her hand at writing her name in katakana while her friend Millie Anne Jovenal checked her work. CLICK FOR LARGE