About the mural
A mural on the corner of what was the center of Sacramento’s Japantown, depicting the history, celebrations and businesses through painted panels that resemble the visual stylization of Hanafuda cards. Interwoven with the paintings are folded paper birds, representing the vibrancy and resilience of the Japanese-American community, despite the trials of being displaced and having their livelihoods and families uprooted. At the center is a sakura tree, in reference to the Japanese nickname for the city ‘Sakuramento’ written in katakana, and to Etsuko Wakayama’s calligraphy of the early name ‘O-fu’ which translates to “Sakura Capitol”.
Every portion of the mural, from priming to painting, was done with the help of the community.
Karen Tsugawa
Karen Tsugawa is a Japanese-Chinese artist and designer based from Roseville, CA. She often combines her design background with her love for tactile artmaking to create community-centered experiences and artworks. Her work currently focuses on the fluidity of cultural identity, exploring historical art practices, and symbolism through elements from nature.
Location
301 Capitol Mall (south east corner)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Thank you
This mural would not be possible without the cooperation from the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. They have recently purchased this plot of land and graciously agreed to allow for this mural be to created here.
ABAS Law Foundation
Allan M. & Vivian Hida Family
Professor Ayad Al-Qazzaz, CSUS
Barbara Takei & Yoshinori Himel
The Bert Shikasho Family
Rev. Bob & Rev. Patti Oshita
Buddhist Church of Sacramento
Christine & Stan Umeda Family
Craig Yamada, Monice Kwok & Family
Florin JACL - Sacramento Valley
Fumie Shimada
Abdul Sitab
Ann Akiyama
Alex Clark
Becky Tsugawa
Cara Boehler
Christine Umeda
Derrick Lim
Erika Koonce
Garett Kurahara
Grace Matayoshi
Gregory Wada
Hach Yasumura
Donors
Gary & Jennifer Lew
Hach & Linda Yasumura
In Honor of Harry & Mary Itow
The Ito Clan & Japantown's Sendai Hotel
Jim & Jo Ann Tabuchi
Law Office of Joshua Kaizuka
Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela
Lloyd & Lynne Ouye
In Honor of Michiko Spahr
Okayama Nasu Hotel
Osaka-Ya Confectionery
In Memory of Sam & Miki Okamoto
In Memory of Satoshi Matsuda
Miko Sawamura
Supervisor Phil Serna
Preservation Sacramento
Sacramento JACL
Sharon Ito & George Warren
Sue Teranishi
Titus Toyama & Donna Komure-Toyama
Volunteers
Hach Yasumura
Helen Kado
Jamie Katayanagi
Janice Luszczak
Jim Tabuchi
Joshua Kaizuka
Katie Uemura
Kayla Barrows
Kevin Koyasako
Kobi Katayanagi
Koji Lo
Laurie Akiyama
Lisa Shigenaga
Lynn Yamamoto
Maxwell Ingraham
Megan Tanahashi
Michelle Huey
Mike Luszczak
Monica Wong
Morgan Asher
Sharon Ito
Stan Umeda
Susan Tamai