The Art & Soul of Town

The Art & Soul of J-town (Saturday, August 3 - Buchanan Mall) is one of the newer features of the Nihonmachi Street Fair. Creativity takes many forms. Whether it is on canvas, folded into an artistic creation or through spoken words. Engaging others is the core of the Art & Soul of Jtown.

The Buchanan Mall’s Origami Fountains is the creation of renowned artist, Ruth Asawa. A treasure right in the heart of Jtown. Join renowned origami artist, Linda Mihara by Ruth Asawa’s Origami Fountain in the Buchanan Mall as she and fellow origami enthusiast teach festival attendees how to take paper and create a special work of art.

This year’s Art & Soul of Jtown is dedicated to the memory of Vicky Mihara Avery. Vicky lost her battle with cancer in May of this year. Her passion for the arts and the Japantown community will be missed dearly.

The Asian Pacific American communities are blessed to have so many creative individuals that are looking for an outlet to share their art. Our hope is to bring together and showcase the many artists in our diverse APA communities.

Artists like Leland Wong, who created the iconic posters for Nihonmachi Street Fair for many years, along with his community brothers and fellow artists, Leon Sun and Rich Tokesh. Together they have documented many historical events in our communities through their art.

For this year’s Art & Soul of Jtown, we’ll be inviting back Leland, Leon, Rich as well as a few more local artists to create one-of-a-kind pieces right in front of your eyes.