Satoru Tsuneishi Park Mural Project (December 2025) Monrovia, CA

Mural traces Satoru Tsuneishi’s remarkable journey in Monrovia, CA from immigrant student to community leader and poet, spanning nearly eight decades. Significant milestones include his graduation in 1914 becoming the first Japanese American to graduate from Monrovia High School, and his integration of Japanese tradition into American culture through haiku and poetry. His family remains active in Monrovia, and his name continues to be honored through public memorials such as this public art installation.

Left to right, along the 102 ft wall, the mural visually illustrates the timeline of Satoru Tsuneishi's life.

It begins in the early 1910s when he converted to Christianity and pursued education, ultimately becoming the first Japanese American to graduate from Monrovia High School in 1914, alongside Julian Fisher, the first African American graduate. The mural illustrates the 1910s–1920s when he returned briefly to Japan, married Sho Murakami, and brought her back to Monrovia; this section of the mural is preceded by the family crest. Next, the mural illustrates the 1930s–1940s when he raised a family and owned a fruit stand and chicken farm off of Historic Route 66. The mural touches upon his time in the WWII Era, where like many Japanese Americans, his family faced displacement and challenges, such as his time at Heart Mountain, Wyoming, but he continued writing poetry and haiku. His wife Sho is depicted, proudly holding one of his awards for service to the country. The mural concludes with his Post-War Years, where his haiku poetry and Japanese traditions cemented a cultural bridge in America, as he became recognized under the pen name Shisei. He is featured later in his life alongside his awards and medals for his service to his country. In 1987, Satoru Tsuneishi passed away at age 99.

Today, in 2025, Monrovia unveils Satoru Tsuneishi Park, honoring his contributions as a poet and community figure.

Satoru Tsuneishi’s timeline reflects both the struggles and resilience of Japanese American families in Monrovia, highlighting his role as a pioneer in education, faith, and cultural expression.