Cultural environmental art collaboration between APASA, the Campus Sustainability Fund, and the Japanese American Student Association at the University of Arizona
Purpose of Project
Cultural organizations and centers at modern American universities are vital to community engagement on academic and interpersonal levels for many students (Museus 2008). Asian Pacific American Student Affairs (APASA) at the University of Arizona is an excellent example, serving over 5000 people annually with 18-20 affiliated student organizations under its consortium. One APASA-affiliated cultural organization is the Japanese American Student Association (JASA); founded in 2019 by undergraduate Victoria Sato, the club has experienced astronomical growth in the past five years; ranging from a general member population of 4 active members during the COVID-19 pandemic to 25-40 active members at general meetings today. The growth of JASA between 2020 and 2024 showcases the overwhelming importance and demand of spaces dedicated to forming Asian cultural communities among undergraduate students. With the growing relevance of the climate crisis, it is paramount that student organizations do not limit their mechanism of community building to shared culture, but include and promote values surrounding education and concern related to planetary wellbeing.
The sakura, or “cherry blossom,” plays not only a major role in the aesthetic iconography and culture of Japan, but also shares the evolving story of climate change. Human-induced temperature changes have caused massive deviations from historical growing seasons among cherry blossoms in recent years (Aono & Saito 2009). This project aims to use culture and artistic expression as a vehicle to cultivate awareness and emotion surrounding the cherry blossom and the environment at large. The project hopes to contribute both to university Earth Day celebrations (April 22), as well as platform APASA student organizations for the University of Arizona’s APIDA Heritage Month (April).
Making of Sakura Project - Behind the scenes
Video by Tristan Gegantoca
About JASA
The Japanese American Student Association is an all-inclusive, student-led organization whose purpose is to promote Japanese cultural awareness through participation in socials, philanthropies, and fundraisers. The Japanese American Student Association strives to promote diversity and Japanese cultural enrichment. Our goal is to share Japanese traditions and heritage with students of all different backgrounds at the University of Arizona.
Mira Kaibara
Class of 2024
Saki Kazui
Class of 2024
Maki Bispham
Class of 2024
Vaibhav Joshi
Class of 2026
Mia Hirayama
Class of 2027
Brooklyn Haru Tominaga
Class of 2027
Tristan Gegantoca
Class of 2025
Faculty Collaborators
Dr. Jacqueline Barrios
