In the early 1940s, World War II tensions resulted in the tragic internment of thousands of Japanese Americans in the United States. The majority of the Pike Place Market's farmers were forced from their homes and livelihoods, never to return.

In 1998, local Japense-born artist Aki Sogabe was commissioned by the Japanese American Citizen League Seattle Chapter to create artwork honoring the memory of long-time Japanese American farmers. “Song of the Earth” was created with papercut images transferred onto five porcelain enamel panels, each 3 feet by 5 feet. The project took her one year to complete and has been on display ever since at Pike Place Market's main entrance near the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place.

Song of the Earth

Song of the Farmers

Song of the Joy

Song of the Memories

Song of the Sorrow

Read more about Pike Place Market's history.