News & Announcements
As the sun sets on festival Saturday, the celebration moves indoors to the Balboa Park Club for Evening in Yokohama, the 70th Anniversary Celebration and Reception. Rather than a seated dinner, the evening is designed for movement and conversation: explore specialty food and drink, enjoy live music, and meet the people who have built the San Diego–Yokohama friendship and those who will carry it forward.
On Stage
6:00 PM: Southern California Koto Ensemble. Founded by Yuki Easter, who has shared Japanese culture through music since 1993, the ensemble opens the evening with the koto, Japan’s traditional stringed instrument.
7:00 PM: Chura Sanshin. The sanshin is Okinawa’s three-stringed instrument, and its bright sound is a fitting nod to the Okinawan roots of the day’s CleanPic competition.
7:15 PM: Pablo Ledesma.
7:30 PM: Akayaa & Bolga Zohdoomah. Singer and drummer Akayaa Atule, a native of the Frafra people of Ghana’s Upper East Region, leads this San Diego band in Ghanaian highlife music, a reminder of the international community that makes our city home.
8:00 PM: The Preservationists. Mission Bay High School’s award-winning traditional jazz band has a special place in this story. In 2017, the Preservationists traveled to Yokohama to help mark the 60th anniversary of sister city relations, and their goodwill tours have since become a tradition. Their set closes the night.
Food and Drink
BESHOCK Ramen: a fixture of San Diego’s East Village since 2016, known for blending authentic Japanese ramen with a San Diego twist.
KOOBREW: a Miramar craft beverage company from brewer Koo Miyake, inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and San Diego surf culture.
BUJI Spirits: spirits for the evening’s toast to 70 years of friendship.
A Toast to 70 Years
A brief anniversary program will bring everyone together for welcomes, recognitions and a toast. The evening gathers government, business, education and community leaders and welcomes international guests as we honor milestone anniversaries with our sister cities.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- Location: Balboa Park Club, Balboa Park
- Tickets: $30
Spend the afternoon at the free festival, then stay for the evening. The Gateway is open until 6:00 PM.
