An artist from Ogden has been chosen to design a mural dedicated to honoring the history, present, and future of Salt Lake City's Japantown. Created by Cole Eisenhour, the artwork is intended to reflect respect and celebration in every brush stroke.
The project comes amid ongoing developments in the area, as the local Buddhist community and its supporters celebrate the 90th Obon Festival while navigating urban growth. The Japanese Church of Christ, a historic landmark in downtown Salt Lake City, continues to maintain its presence even as surrounding areas transform into a major entertainment district.
A recent discovery at the church revealed a 100-year-old time capsule that had been encased in concrete behind a cornerstone. According to Alan Shino, there were doubts regarding whether the capsule could be found following recent renovations to the century-old building.
The history of Japanese Americans in Utah includes various significant milestones, such as the existence of the Topaz Internment Camp near Delta and the efforts of individuals like Fred Wada, a California businessman who helped 130 people evacuate to Keetley Farm during World War II. Other local legacies include the work of Japanese rail workers in Ogden and the preservation of military veterans' histories in Box Elder County.
