San Jose Japantown has been selected as one of California’s 10 new state-designated cultural districts — representing the thriving creativity, diversity, and unique artistic identities of communities throughout our state, driving cultural, economic and social vitality.

Presented by California Arts Council, this designation recognizes the collaborative, grassroots spirit that continues to define San Jose Japantown today and honors the artists, culture bearers, community organizations, residents, and small businesses who work together to preserve history, uplift diverse voices, and perpetuate collective efforts to keep this living cultural community vibrant and relevant for future generations. 

California now has 24 state-designated cultural districts, ranging from Arts District Liberty Station in San Diego, Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, to our neighbors in the Watsonville Cultural District. We hope the state will reopen this program in a future year to consider additional cultural district designations.

Read the announcement >>