Title: Reviving Japanese Traditional Culture in Japantown, San Jose 

By Ayaka Sanchez 

Description: I created an animated AR experience that brings iconic elements of Japanese culture, such as koinobori, sakura, bon odori, and folding fans, to life. I chose to present this AR at "Ronin's Hideout" by Wooden Wave, one of the most iconic murals in Japantown, San Jose. My goal was to evoke traditional Japanese culture within the community through interactive animation. To reflect the seasonal spirit, I animated koinobori (carp streamers), which are traditionally displayed in Japan during May to celebrate Children's Day (May 5). I also featured bon odori, the traditional summer folk dance performed during Obon (August), a festival that honors ancestors. These dances are often accompanied by taiko drums and participants dressed in yukata. Through this AR installation, I hoped to connect people with the rhythms and beauty of Japanese traditions in a modern, immersive way.

Title: Qmunity & Pride Post Street Mural

By Antony Cucina

Description: The mural I chose to bring to life is located in the Qmunity District on Post Street, which aims to support the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I wanted to add AR elements that are educational and celebratory of pride. I animated the rainbow elements of the mural and made the Progress Pride Flag wave in the wind. To the right, I created an additional 3D wall labeled with a description of the mural, and an image of the Progress Pride Flag that explains the meanings behind its colors. The mural originally features the logos of the Qmunity District and Project MORE, so I turned these logos into clickable buttons that are linked to the organizations’ websites, which are full of information about events and community resources. Finally, I added peaceful ambient music to match the visuals of the gently flowing rainbow colors.

Title: California Mural

By Gianna Smith, Lara Abutaha and Jubillee Quizon

Description: For this project, our team selected a mural in downtown San Jose that features a woman with water flowing like hair, a crown on her head, a grey wolf skull with another crown, succulents, and California poppies. Using Adobe Aero, we animated different elements to bring the mural to life and imagine a hidden story behind it. We made the woman blink softly, the poppies bloom and then lose their petals, the succulents grow slightly, and the skull slowly opens and closes its mouth. Lastly, both crowns gently move back and forth. Our goal was to enhance the mood of the mural without taking away from it by adding movement to hint at something deeper going on beneath the surface. Each animation was meant to feel subtle but meaningful, as if the wall itself had something to say.

Title: Downtown SJ Stores and How They Survived Gentrification/ Gameshop Downstairs

By Ricky Nguyen, Aaron Tran and James Sander

Title: Downtown SJ Stores and How They Survived Gentrification/ Philz Coffee (Near SJSU)

By Ricky Nguyen, Aaron Tran and James Sander

Title: Downtown SJ Stores and How They Survived Gentrification/ The Studio Climbing

By Ricky Nguyen, Aaron Tran and James Sander

Description: As economic inflation continues to rise, so does the expansion of gentrification. As Downtown San Jose continues to build, more stores have trouble staying afloat. However, we as a team have found three stores that are considered local staples and deeply connected to the community. From our research, we’ve found out that two factors come into play for these businesses: community-driven and affordability. Each store has its own definition of making an impact on the community. For example, Studio Climbing offers various climbing routes for each challenger and creates a warm atmosphere. Philz Coffee offers an unlimited customized drink menu for customers. Gameshop Downstairs emits a culture of niche fandoms for people to gather. Affordability is a common idea these stores share. Studio Climbing offers a big discount to SJSU and Medi-Cal for people to participate. Prices in Philz Coffee have been maintained for some time. Gameshop Downstairs is willing to buy games from people who enter the store.

These stores prove that having connections with the customer base and factoring in cheap prices is a solid defense against the dangers of gentrification.