However, in the 1920s, Japantown contained two Japanese-language newspapers (including the Utah Nippo, 1914-1991), a Japanese language school, dance studios, restaurants and stores, covering an area of several blocks.

Japanese American internment was introduced in 1942, including the Topaz War Relocation Center near Delta, Utah.

[2][4] In 1969, as part of a failed bid for the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, most of Japantown were destroyed to build the Salt Palace arena.

[1][2] In the early 2000s, the Japanese Community Preservation Committee was founded by several people, including Jani Iwamoto, now a Utah state senator, and started advocating for the area.

[2] The Obon Festival is held at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple on the second Saturday in July.