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).
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.
JASA Student Team
Faculty Collaborators
Photo Gallery
Making of Sakura Project - Behind the scenes
Video by Tristan Gegantoca
Special Thank You To:
Ikkyu - Japanese Restaurant
Food catering at the event
2040 W Orange Grove Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
The Chinese Chorizo Project
Wagashi/Sakura flower shaping demonstration
https://www.chinesechorizoproject.com/
Office of Sustainability
Campus Sustainability Fund
https://sustainability.arizona.edu/projects/campus-sustainability-fund
Miki Pimienta
Origami wreath decorations for the art installation
References
Aono, Yasuyuki, and Shizuka Saito. “Clarifying springtime temperature reconstructions of the medieval period by gap-filling the cherry blossom phenological data series at Kyoto, Japan.” International Journal of Biometeorology, vol. 54, no. 2, 23 Oct. 2009, pp. 211–219, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-009-0272-x.
Museus, Samuel D. “The role of ethnic student organizations in fostering African American and Asian American students’ cultural adjustment and membership at predominantly white institutions.” Journal of College Student Development, vol. 49, no. 6, Nov. 2008, pp. 568–586,
https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.0.0039.