Lena’s Album
On December 8, 2024, Los Angeles-based Japanese-American writer, teacher, and activist Sesshu Foster spoke at Guadalupe Buddhist Church about his Aunt Lena's photo album. He had recently obtained the album containing photos of his Aunt Lena's life on California's Central Coast, where she attended and graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and belonged to the Young Women's Buddhist Association, before she and two of her siblings tragically died of tuberculosis in their early 20s.
Depicting Lena's life from approximately 1931-1938, the photos provide a rare glimpse into the life of young Japanese-American women on California's Central Coast before World War II and incarceration. It's a life that Sesshu is still trying to learn more about. If you have memories and stories related to these photos and the people in them, please contact eastlaballoonclub@protonmail.com and we will connect you with Sesshu.
Sesshu Foster wishes to express his gratitude to Joanne Matsunaga, Stacy Cole, and Dr. Karen Lucas and the Tanaka family for sharing their family stories.
Note that Lena’s name is misspelled “Nina” and “Lina” in the closed captioning accompanying this presentation (but the correct spelling is “Lena”). Also, “Guadalupe” is often misspelled “Gaudalupe” in the closed captions. Close ups of select photos shown with permission of Sesshu Foster. Videography by Mark Sanchez.
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Our Roots/Our Routes is more than just an archive of history: it’s a project devoted to recognizing and honoring the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of communities that have shaped the local region. It is fueled by a commitment to supporting community pathways of self-definition and self-determination, and ultimately contributing to a more just and sustainable future for the Central Coast.
Through these stories, we aim to strengthen community bonds, foster cross-cultural understanding, and give voice to the rich diversity that defines our region.