EDITOR’S NOTE (From Visual Communications’ Archives Manager, Jason Tiangco): As a part of the ongoing Linda Visions programming, Through Linda’s Eyes was a media workshop aimed at providing younger generations and local community members with a deeper understanding of how to best utilize available media as a vehicle to ignite change and document underrepresented communities. Also as a tribute to one of Linda Mabalot’s passions for photojournalism, the workshop was primarily focused on developing an individual’s technical knowledge of basic camera features and to challenge the community participants to observe Little Tokyo “Through Linda’s Eyes” and document their perspectives with an analytical scope. Centered around building community amongst this year’s Getty Marrow Learning Community interns, or as Linda would call the next generations “young bloods,” and community members of past and present generations, this program offers a glimpse into gradual change throughout Little Tokyo.

A photo of First Street North, with the historic buildings on the left and the newer Miyako Hotel on the right. — **Face-off**
Little Tokyo stores with slightly crumbling features contrast in design with the slick Miyako Hotel.
– *Heather Muriel Nguyễn*

Trinkets such as maneki-neko figurines line the shelves of a souvenir shop. — **Shop Stock**
Tourism is a huge element of Little Tokyo, and shops whose inventories exemplify the cultural heritage of Little Tokyo are very prominent and popular in the area. These shops are typically locally operated and are important in preserving community oriented businesses.
*– Seanna Latiff*

Abe Ferrer stands against a wall in Far East Lounge with a camera in hand. Next to him on the wall is a black-and-white photo of four individuals, one of whom is Abe himself. — **Abe Ferrer – "armed with a camera"!**
The photo shows Abe mirrored with the "past Abe" in the photograph mounted on the wall.
*– Wataru Ebihara*

The corner of a building with signage is shown in a zoomed-in frame. There are letters spelling “GIFT” that are peeling from the wall. — **Still Here**
*– Saenah Boch*

A view of Weller Court featuring a fountain, trees, and colorful mural depicting Ellison Onizuka. — **Weller Court**
This photograph is of Weller Court, home to Japanese restaurants, markets, and shopping opportunities that provide a space for the Japanese community and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of downtown Los Angeles. I loved the vibrant artwork on the building, along with the lanterns strung along the court that give Little Tokyo a sense of unique cohesiveness.
*– Kristin Dea*

Fairy lights and many pieces of paper with wishes on them hang from a tree in Japanese Village Plaza — **The Wishing Tree**
*– Julie Jameson*

An individual walks an aisle inside the Anzen Hardware store. — **Anzen Hardware**
Every trip to Little Tokyo calls for a stop in Anzen Hardware, a family favorite for my sister and dad. Whether it be extra-long chopsticks for cooking or a copy of a key, there is always a reason to go in. When my dad is looking to plant new vegetables in his garden, he will go to Anzen for seeds. He'll plant them wearing his Anzen Hardware t-shirt in the garden box that he built - probably from supplies he purchased there too.
– Emma Fukunaga

Five individuals stand in an aisle of Nijiya Market. — **Missed connections**
*– Saenah Boch*

An exhibition with the headline “BLACK REPARATIONS” sitting inside the display case of Far East Lounge is pictured. Inside are white blocks with different phrases printed on them, such as “racial terror” and “the wealth gap.” — **The display case in front of the Far East Lounge**
"Our Block. Our History. Our Future....neighborhood campaign to celebrate...community-based arts, awareness, and engagement." The white boxes with the prints that state, "control over creative and cultural life", "racism in environment infrastructure", "political disenfranchisement", "stolen labor/hindered opportunity", "separate and unequal education". This image and statements is a definition of community for me, because it reminded me of what I am fighting against. Similar to the works of the former senator John Lewis and the keep the "good fight".
– Andrew Estaras

**Destination Little Tokyo**
At the intersection of First St and Central Ave -- with the Little Tokyo "Yagura" (Fire Tower) at the focus, showing rental electric scooters and bus stop signs. The new Little Tokyo Metro Regional Connector station is behind (not visible).
Date - 7/27/2023
*– Wataru Ebihara*

An individual is shown looking around the Kyoto Gardens. — **Kyoto Gardens**
Taken in the idyllic Kyoto Gardens at the rooftop of DoubleTree by Hilton, I chose to capture this moment of one perceiving beauty within simplicity. Located in the bustle of downtown, this garden embodies peace and serenity in contrast to its surroundings and shows the artistic touch of Japanese natural landscapes.
*– Kristin Dea*

Three Hatsune Miku figurines are shown in the window of Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle shop. There is also the reflection of hanging lanterns on the window. — **icons**
*– Heidi Atlas*

A wooden chair sits in front of a demolished wall with yellow and green graffiti on it. — **a chair sits in front of a graffiti'd wall**
*– Heidi Atlas*

Two individuals stand in the doorway of Fugetsu-Do sweet shop. — **into the heat from fugetsu-do**
*– Margarita Verde*

A sidewalk view of First Street North shops is shown, with Far Bar sitting closest. An individual walks beneath the historical “Chop Suey” sign. — **Far East Cafe**
My family has roots in Little Tokyo. It is the site of my childhood adventures where I watched imagawayaki being made through the windows. Although it's a popular tourist destination, bringing my friends there always feels like I'm sharing a special part of my life. My grandparents had their wedding reception at Far East Cafe, and 50 years later dozens of extended family and friends gathered for a reunion and anniversary celebration. Walking down 1st street and looking through the windows of the restaurant, I remember my cousins and I playing in the alley behind the building and singing karaoke on the second floor.
– Emma Fukunaga

An individual rides a bike next to the beach. A pier and some beach volleyball nets are shown in the background. The sun is setting. — **Through Linda’s Eyes**
*– Jeff Chop*

**“You Look Gorgeous Today”**
This wall art can be found inside Weller Court. I love finding quotes as public art because they speak to the area's personality and history. This short and simple quote, "You Look Gorgeous Today," is accompanied by its Japanese translation, showing Japanese American presence in Little Tokyo through art.
*- Kimmy Rice*

Three individuals pose for a selfie outside of the Chinchikurin restaurant in the Japanese Village Plaza, with the Little Tokyo Watchtower in the background. — **definition of community**
a selfie I took with my Getty Marrow intern cohorts and new friends. This image is a definition of community. The red Japanese tower in the background represents the old and historic element of community that symbolizes culture, heritage, and history. In contrast to myself as a son of Filipino immigrants with a diverse group of new friends and future scholars and professionals. Community like culture changes fluidly.
*– Andrew Estaras*

The Little Tokyo Watchtower is photographed from beneath. — **Little Tokyo Watchtower from below**
This tower is a symbol of Little Tokyo, and I wanted to show how it feels to be underneath it. From this perspective, the power of the tower can be felt from the imaginative lens of the everyday passerby.
*– Seanna Latiff*

A hand points toward sweets inside a bakery case in Fugetsu-Do. — **sugary earthly delights**
*– Margarita Verde*

Two women stand on a cliffside with rocky terrain in the background. — **Nosu Women above the Yangtze River**
*– Jeff Chop*

**Cup Noodles**
Abandoned remnants of possibly the most commercialized version of ramen sit amongst Little Tokyo restaurants.
*– Heather Muriel Nguyễn*

**Woman playing the Erhu (Chinese violin)**
*– Julie Jameson*

**Neon Signs**
Walking around Little Tokyo, I noticed that a lot of shops had fun and unique neon signs. I took photos of many more, and it helped me better appreciate the artistry of neon sign making. They can be more creative than just your average "OPEN" sign.
*- Kimmy Rice*

Black Reparations. Exhibit in the Far East Lounge display window at 353 E First Street, Los Angeles. — **Black Reparations**
Exhibit in the Far East Lounge display window at 353 E First Street, Los Angeles.
Date - 7/27/2023
– Wataru Ebihara

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