Sakura Square facts for kids
Sakura Square is a special plaza in Denver, Colorado. It's a place where you can experience Japanese culture. You'll find it at 19th Street and Larimer Street. This square is home to a beautiful Japanese garden. It also has a tall apartment building called Tamai Tower. On the first floors of this building, there are many shops and restaurants to explore.
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Honoring Important People
Sakura Square features statues, called busts, of three important people. These statues help us remember their contributions.
Governor Ralph L. Carr
One bust honors Ralph L. Carr. He was the Governor of Colorado from 1939 to 1943. Governor Carr was a brave leader. He publicly supported Japanese Americans during a difficult time. This was when many Japanese Americans were forced into special camps. Governor Carr was the only elected official in the United States to apologize for this. The Japanese-American community in Denver put his bust here to thank him.
Minoru Yasui and Yoshitaka Tamai
You will also see busts of Minoru Yasui and Yoshitaka Tamai. Minoru Yasui was a Japanese-American lawyer. He fought for civil rights. Yoshitaka Tamai was a Buddhist priest who lived in Denver. He was an important leader in the community.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, Sakura Square comes alive with the Cherry Blossom Festival. This exciting event happens in late June. It celebrates Japanese traditions and culture.
Festival Activities
During the festival, you can see many traditional Japanese practices. These include the Japanese tea ceremony and ikebana, which is the art of flower arrangement. The streets fill with food stands offering delicious Japanese dishes. There are also booths from various vendors and community groups. A stage hosts live music and performances.
Bon Odori Dance
In the evening, a traditional bon odori dance takes place on the street. Many people dress in beautiful yukata or other Japanese clothes to join in. It's a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture.
More to Explore
External Links
- SAH Archipedia Building Entry
