JAPANESE ARTS NETWORK
The Japanese Arts Network (JA-NE) is a national resource
for artistic collaboration and connection.
We provide access to resources and develop programs and platforms that support and strengthen visibility for JaJA (Japanese and Japanese-American) Artists in America who create with ‘cultural intention’ and are vital to society. We are dedicated to bringing together artists, communities, and stakeholders by celebrating and advancing Japanese arts experiences in America.
ZOTTO
A Supernatural Immersive Japanese Folktale
ZOTTO is an expansive collaboration between some of the most ground-breaking and genre-shattering theater makers currently operating in Denver and is brought to life by a superb, all-women cast.
The experience invites audiences deep into the heart of Sakura Square, the historical cultural hub of Denver's Japanese American community (1905 Lawrence Street), and explores the history of Japanese Americans from forced incarceration during WWII to resettlement in Denver, acknowledging community trauma, erasure, and importantly, community healing and resilience.
Audiences follow mysterious fox spirit Dr. Kitsu into an immersive, explorable world interweaving Japanese folklore, historical events, and a quest for inter-generational connection.
STORIES OF SOLIDARITY
The Japanese Experience in Five Points
In the wake of WWII during the 1940’s, following the closing of America’s incarceration camps, the area surrounding and within the historic Five Points neighborhood in Denver, Colorado saw a surge of Japanese-American culture and business in the “Larimer Corridor” downtown. Japanese businesses were concentrated during this time in the Five Points area due to oppressive redlining which did not allow them to open in other parts of the city. Japanese arrivals joined other communities of color who also inhabited and owned businesses in this stretch of neighborhood.
Today, we remember this vibrant and cross-cultural neighborhood through the voices of lived experiences- and we celebrate the Japanese Americans and Five Points residents who are creating history for future generations in Denver's Five Points.
VIRTUAL TOUR COMING SOON!
DENVER IS MY HOME
Denver’s Historic Chinatown, Japantown,
and Little Saigon
In partnership with Denver International Airport, CAPU, Truong An Gifts, and the Far East Center
‘Denver is My Home’ is an exploration of history to the present day of three specific Asian American communities that first came to settle in Denver; how they persevered, and how we continue to honor their contributions to Colorado. Learn about how and why these communities came to thrive, the cultural heritage they celebrate, and the legacy and imprint they’ve left for future generations. These stories accompanied by priceless objects, interviews, and photographic memories illuminate hidden narratives which include the history of the first Chinese and Japanese miners, railroad workers, and farmers in Colorado as well as immigrant stories which center the challenges of building community amongst extreme adversity including the Chinese Exclusion Act, Vietnamese refugees fleeing violence in their home country, and re-settlement following World War II’s forced incarceration of Japanese Americans in Denver’s backyard at Amache and across the United States.
Amplify
AAPI Mental Health
Community, Self-Care, Healing, Support, and Action
Visit our dedicated page to AAPI Mental Health in honor of May being AAPI Heritage Month and National Mental Health Awareness month, and also in recognition and support of anybody who is seeking resources, connection, and opportunities for action. We are not broken - our cracks and imperfections shine with strength and resilience as individuals and as a community.