OTOMO Isao
Born: 9 May 1924 – Died: 14 August 1942
Particulars:
Isao was born in Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. He was a farmer in Tawao, North Borneo in the Dutch East Indies, now part of Malaysia, when the Pacific War broke out. He was taken to Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp. He was single, and his mother lived in Ryozen Mura in Fukushima Prefecture. He died aged 18 from tuberculosis. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Masako Ogawa
Artist/s Statement:
Isao Otomo’s home prefecture of Fukushima is known for its weeping cherry trees. I drew this picture in the hope that the weeping tears will bring peace.
Artist Bio:
Masako Ogawa was born in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. She has been living in Australia for over 35 years. She currently works as a sessional tutor in translation and interpreting at Western Sydney University, and as a freelance translator and interpreter.