Since 1944, Pacific Mercantile Company has been a rare source of Asian groceries and goods in downtown Denver.

Now, the family that has operated the grocery store has been immortalized in a new mural at Sakura Square.

The mural was designed and painted by Casey Kawaguchi, a Japanese-American artist, using funds provided by Denver City Council member Chris Hinds. It’s a companion to a similar mural on the other side of the building.

The mural depicts a Japanese woman wearing traditional makeup, with a butterfly resting on her hand. Behind her is a bonsai tree.

“For my work to find its place in the history of Pacific Mercantile, Sakura Square, and the longer Japanese American history here in Colorado, makes me feel like it was meant to be,” Kawaguchi said.

Kawaguchi’s mural alludes to t

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