Roots That Run Deep: Sakura Square Receives $10,000 for Two New Murals

Sakura Square is getting more artsy. The cultural hub in downtown Denver, which represents the 130-year legacy of the Japanese American community in Colorado, will soon have two new murals, thanks to a $10,000 Community Benefit Sponsorship announced Monday, May 19, by Denver City Councilmember Chris Hinds.

"The Community Benefit Sponsorship is an investment in the cultural fabric of downtown," Hinds says in a statement on the commission. The murals will enhance the Square’s visual landscape, offering both residents and visitors a meaningful opportunity to engage with the area’s rich cultural legacy."

Both murals will be painted by local Japanese American artist Casey Kawaguchi, who previously created another mural at Sakura Square, “The Seeds We Sow.” Kawaguchi has already started on the first of the new murals, "Rooted in Tradition."

"Rooted in Tradition" will honor the legacy of George Inai, who founded Pacific Mercantile, the eighty-year-old, fourth-generation-owned Japanese market at 1925 Lawrence Street in Sakura Square. “In this design, the tree represents Pacific Mercantile and Mr. Inai's impact in this community," Kawaguchi says. "I was inspired to create a symbol of that legacy and the roots that run deep through Sakura Square." The mural will be located at the entrance of Pacific Mercantile, and the unveiling will be accompanied by community events throughout the summer.

A second mural is slated for later this year.

“We are honored to continue our collaboration with Casey and grateful to Councilmember Hinds for his commitment to Sakura Square and to the Japanese American community,” says Tim Higashide, CEO of Sakura Square, in the statement. “These murals will serve as a powerful visual reminder of our community’s strength, identity and contributions to Denver’s history. It’s our hope that this public art inspires conversation, connection and pride."

Besides Pacific Mercantile, Sakura Square is home to restaurants Sakura House and JJ Bistro, as well as community thrift store Nikkei Treasures, denim repair shop Flatfield Denim Club, the Japanese American Resource Center of Colorado and more businesses.

Each summer, the Sakura Foundation and Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple present the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, an event celebrating Japanese heritage through performances, food and local vendors. This year's Cherry Blossom Festival is slated for June 21 and 22.