To the Revitalization Zone Committee, Salt Lake County Council, Smith Entertainment Group, Salt Lake City Council:

My name is Clarysa Satsuko Park, I wrote the Petition to Revitalize Japantown last year and collected over 5,000 signatures to support the inclusion of the Japanese American community in the Participation Agreement between Smith Entertainment Group and the Salt Lake City Council.

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It remains imperative that the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, Japanese Christian Church and the Japanese Garden remain protected, preserved and untouched. They are beloved historical beacons of our community and are the only remaining pieces of what was Japantown.

The purpose of this new petition is to activate 100 South Japan Town Street in Salt Lake City with Japanese businesses, restaurants and artist space within the Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Convention District, especially for any commercial space facing Japan Town Street.

Last year, Mayor Wilson asked the Japanese American community what we want. All that remains of the once lively Japantown are two churches. For those who are not members of either remaining religious organization, there is a desire to have a place to experience, celebrate and share our culture.

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Our community should not only be acknowledged by plaques and street decor, those are a nod to our past and the footprint we have made. We are a vibrant part of the present and deserve to expand the footprint of Japantown. To be weaved into the new district with Japanese businesses, restaurants and artist space.

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Salt Lake City is indeed a World Class, international city. When the world comes to visit us for the Olympics, let’s show our guests the Utah way of celebrating cultures and diversity. Let’s bring the TOWN back into “Japantown!”