Sakura Square

nihongo|Sakura Square|サクラスクエアー|sakura sukueā is located in Denver, Colorado, and is one of America's prominent and affluent Japanese communities. It is a very popular tourist spot for national and international tourists, and it is commonly known by the nickname "Tiny Tokyo" in reference to bustling and historic Tokyo, Japan. The City and County of Denver as well as the American media embrace the community as a "vital part of the city".

Location

Sakura Square is a city block in Denver, Colorado, bordered by Larimer St., Lawrence St., 19th St., & 20th St.

Founding

The community first came together around 1944 (some argue earlier) following the migration of formerly interned Japanese from the west coast inward, to many cities like Denver. The community exhibits a lot of Japanese culture, and artwork can be found every where from storefronts to sidewalks. The nearby Denver Art Museum exhibits one of the highest counts of Japanese artwork in America. The community is also home to a large Buddhist temple, and many fine restaurants and diners, as well as some historical public markets.

Tribute to Governor Carr

In addition to the other remarkable sights and monuments in Sakura Square, there is a statue of Colorado Governor Ralph Lawrence Carr, the only elected official in the United States to publicly apologize to the Japanese Americans for their internment, which many argue cost him the election to the U.S. Senate, but won him the gratitude of the community, and Japanese Americans everywhere.

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

The sakura square holds an annual Cherry Blossom festival, where one can go to celebrate the Japanese holiday. Anyone is welcome to join the event, and admission is free. During the celebration, many traditional Japanese ceremonies are celebrated, such as the Tea Drinking Ceremony. During the Cherry Blossom festival, one can purchase authentic Japanese Kimono's and even be fitted and taught how to wear one by a Kimono Lady. Many food stands, offering Japanese cuisine line the street, along with various stalls and live music.

ee also

*Japantown

External links

* [http://www.denvergov.org/ City and County of Denver]
* [http://www.pacificmercantile.com/ Pacific Mercantile Company]