Stephanie Varela
@stephvarelaStephanie Varela is a senior English and Comparative Literary Studies major at Occidental College and a native Angelino who specializes in Nabokov studies. Although she hasn’t had previous experience with Asian Studies, she has thoroughly enjoyed her experiences working with the Japanese American National Museum and the businesses of Little Tokyo.
Updated April 2010
Stories from This Author
Mitsuru Grill, 316 First Street
May 10, 2010 • Stephanie Varela
Mamoru Hanamura sips his tall water glass full of hot, red tea, exhales slowly and says, “They used to teach me so many things. When I had a problem, I always had somebody.” Speaking of past friends, mentors and fellow members of the Issei generation, his gaze shifts towards the window that faces out onto First street as he mentions that many of his past customers and neighbors have passed away now. Yet Hanamura remains optimistic. After 34 years running …
