Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall Upgrade Project
Announcement:
Japantown Task Force Announces Formation of the Ad Hoc Committee on Osaka Way
The Japantown Task Force is pleased to announce the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee on Osaka Way (“Osaka Way Committee”) as part of the Osaka Way Upgrades Project to restore the Ruth Asawa fountains to working order and improve the key public space.
The Osaka Way Committee which will meet monthly is co-chaired by JTF Board Members Somiah Handy and Rosalyn Tonai. Somiah serves as Assistant Director of Community Relations Office of Community and Government Relations and Rosalyn is the Executive Director of the National Japanese American Historical Society.
According to the Department of Public Works design team, once the design is completed, the construction bidding process will take at least 6 months. Construction is not expected to commence until late winter/early spring 2026. Please be sure to attend the virtual Osaka Way Committee meetings for important updates!
The Committee will meet monthly on the 4th Tuesday, 12N-1 pm via Zoom.
August 26, Sept 23, Oct 28, then TBD.
All JTF Meetings are free, open to the public. Check the JTF website for meeting agendas.
About the Project
Japantown’s Buchanan Mall is the pedestrian portion of Buchanan Street that runs for one block between Post and Sutter streets. Along with Peace Plaza, it’s the geographic and cultural heart of the neighborhood.
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Focus Groups
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Open Houses
Access a comprehensive collection of materials related to the Osaka Way Upgrade project — from detailed site plans and meeting recordings to proposed designs and archived documents.
