A connected, sustainable, and lively Japantown community that promotes cultural, spiritual and historical awareness, creating diverse and welcoming spaces within Salt Lake City.
OUR VISION
Formed in April 2024, Utah Japantown Advocates (Formerly SLC NextGen JA) emerged after Senate Bill 272 passed and news broke about the development of a Sports Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District that could impact Japantown Street.
A group of friends who grew up attending temple and church events on Japantown Street gathered to discuss how we could help advocate and organize community efforts around Japantown.
We worked with leaders from both churches and the broader community to address potential impacts to Japantown and to ensure our community's voice is heard in the revitalization of Downtown: building a future where Salt Lake City Japantown’s culture, stories, and community thrive.
ABOUT UJA
_edited.jpg)
WHAT WE DO
Organize
Community Town Halls
Visioning workshops with SLBT and JCC
Community Input Surveys
Advocate
Attend City and County Council Meetings
Table and canvass at local community events
Share
Shared the history of Japantown and updates on the SECC District through articles, podcasts and radio interviews
.jpg)
OUR VALUES
History & Culture
Share the Japanese American culture, history, and community more broadly in Salt Lake City
Community
Organize and communicate Salt Lake City Japantown community efforts
Outreach
Advocate for the preservation of the churches and expansion of Salt Lake City Japantown
Sustainability
Cultivate the Japantown community and supporting economic development
UJA IN ACTION
