Ashikawa, Lori (3/31/2021)

Ashikawa, Lori (3/31/2021)

Japanese Americans--Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1950

Lori Ashikawa is a sansei born in Oakland, California and raised in Southern California. Being raised by a well-educated mother who experienced incarceration in her young adulthood, Lori grew up in an environment that encouraged assimilation both from internal familial pressure and societal pressure, and thus was separate from any Japanese American or Asian American identity. A musician, Lori moved to Chicago in 1990, when her partner got a job working for the Chicago Symphony, and being an only child, Lori’s mother followed her to Chicago. In looking for ways for her mother to have a community, Lori found JASC. In addition to finding a way for her mother to be involved in the JA community, for the first time, Lori found herself drawn to experiencing aspects of Japanese culture, including music and language. Over the years, Lori has learned more about her Japanese American identity and Japanese ancestry and heritage, visiting relatives in Japan, and remaining active in the community in Chicago.

2021-03-31

video

Ueunten, JJ

Ashikawa, Lori

Sansei

Cultural Reclamation

Japanese American Identity

Topaz

Pasadena

Bay Area

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